by Lt.-Cdr. Philip Anido, KFOR Spokesperson
Pristina, 13 February 2000
Mitrovica
At approximately 10:30 a.m. this morning there was an explosion close to the Eastern Bridge in the northern part of Mitrovica. Six Albanians have been injured. Gun shots were also heard in the area.
At 10:50 a.m. and at 11 a.m. two KFOR French soldiers were shot and injured near the Eastern Bridge. One was shot in the arm and one in the stomach. Both were med-evacuated to the French Military Medical Facility.
The Commander of KFOR, General Dr. Klaus Reinhardt is now in Mitrovica. The allied military forces are taking immediate and robust action against this renewed, serious outbreak of violence.
There are French, British, Italian and Danish KFOR troops in the city at this time, conducting foot patrols, vehicle check points and static guard at homes and businesses in minority neighborhoods.
KFOR Closes the Dolce Vita bar in Mitrovica
Yesterday afternoon at 4:30 p.m., KFOR troops searched and closed the Dolce Vita bar located on the north side of the Ibar River near the Western Bridge. Some 100 KFOR French and Danish soldiers and Gendarmerie were involved in the action. So far no weapons have been found.
The operation was carried out in response to an incident yesterday morning when a Serb man attempted to break into an Albanian apartment and was suspected to have hidden in the bar
Update on Injured US Soldier
The US soldier who was injured by a bullet on 11 February is in stable condition and is recovering at the Combat Support Hospital at Camp Bondsteel.
At this time there is no evidence of any hostile intent directed against the soldier. The exact nature of the incident is still under investigation.
KFOR Polish Troops Stop Bus
Last night, six busses carrying Kosovo-Albanians from Turkey were stopped by KFOR Polish soldiers at the Deneral Jankovic border crossing. Ten rifles and a large quantity of ammunition were confiscated. The busses and passengers are still stopped at the at the border.
Events and incidents in Kosovo during the last 24 hours:
Deaths
Yesterday evening in Pec (MNB West), an Albanian reported to KFOR Military Police that his brother had been killed in a revenge killing. An investigation is underway.
Just after midnight this morning in Kosuric (MNB West), KFOR troops arrested an Albanian man for murder. He had shot another man during an argument. In the suspects house the soldiers found 1 AK-47 rifle, a second rifle and ammunition. UNMIK police are investigating.
Demonstrations
Two demonstrations were held in Kosovo yesterday.
In Decane, between noon and 1:15 p.m., approximately 1000 Albanians protested in support of their fellows in Mitrovica, and in Gnjilane 3,500 gathered for the same purpose.
Incidents and Injuries
During the night, KFOR soldiers detained 11 people in MNB South for various crimes. Two are suspected of murder, six of burglary, two for looting, and one for illegal weapons possession.
On Friday night near the town of Rajanavoca Cuka (MNB East), KFOR Russian troops were shot at from the bushes. The KFOR troops returned fire. The unidentified men were able to escape, but they left behind one anti-tank rocket, two hand grenades, and one AK-47 magazine. KFOR is investigating.
Weapons Confiscations
Yesterday morning, KFOR troops searched a house in Preece (MNB Centre) and confiscated 1 AK-47, two automatic rifles, one pistol, a hand grenade, and ammunition. UNMIK police detained one man.
Yesterday afternoon in Durkovce (MNB Centre), KFOR Finnish troops confiscated one pistol and a dangerous knife at a vehicle check point. UNMIK police are investigating.
Yesterday morning in Pepsa (MNB West), KFOR troops searched an Albanian house and confiscated one AK-47, one machine gun and ammunition. The man was arrested and UNMIK police are investigating.
Yesterday afternoon in Pacaj (MNB West), an Albanian man handed over one AK-47 and a quantity of ammunition.
Illegal Border Crossing
Yesterday in MNB South, a total of 13 people tried to cross the Albania-Kosovo border illegally. Five were forced back by KFOR patrols but eight were able to elude the authorities.