Serbia Arrests Suspected Leader In Killing Of Kosovo Police Officer

Serbia has taken a significant step in the investigation into the killing of a Kosovo police officer on September 24 by arresting the suspected leader of the group responsible for the attack. The interior ministry confirmed the arrest of Milan Radoicic and his subsequent remand in custody for 48 hours. He has been handed over to the Belgrade public prosecutor's office. Milan Radoicic, a 45-year-old businessman and former influential Kosovo Serb powerbroker, is now a prime suspect in the case. He, along with "several unknown persons," is suspected of involvement in the unauthorized production, possession, carrying, and trafficking of firearms and explosive substances, as well as serious crimes against general safety. According to prosecutors, Radoicic had been procuring weapons from neighboring Bosnia between January and the day of the attack. He then transported and stored these weapons at unspecified locations within Kosovo. During a hearing, Radoicic denied the accusations against him. Meanwhile, Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani has expressed the desire to have Radoicic and other suspected terrorists handed over to Kosovo, emphasizing the importance of delivering real justice. The killing of the Kosovo police officer in September led to increased tensions between Serbia and Kosovo. Kosovo accused Belgrade of backing the entire operation, while the United States warned of a significant Serbian military deployment along the border with Kosovo. In response to these tensions, Serbia announced that it has begun withdrawing troops from the Kosovo border. The White House confirmed this development, stating that Serbia has started moving its forces away from the border, which is viewed as a positive step.