Kačanik fighting (1999)

The Kačanik fighting (1999) was a single-day engagement fought between the Serbian Police and the Yugoslav Army against the militant Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) on 14 May 1999. The fighting resulted in KLA forces being driven out of Kačanik, through which an important route runs toward the border crossing with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the Pristina–Skopje highway.

Background

The police operation in Kačanik was a consequence of increased KLA militant activity. The organization was founded in 1994 and, beginning in 1996, launched more serious armed attacks against police, civilians, and state institutions in Kosovo and Metohija, fighting for the separation of Kosovo from Serbia and Yugoslavia and the creation of a Greater Albania.

The Nerodime Operational Zone of the KLA, commanded by Shukri Buja, consisted of the 161st, 162nd, and 163rd Brigades. The area of responsibility of the 162nd Brigade "Agim Bajrami" included Kačanik.

Kačanik was one of the strongest KLA strongholds, and it was also where the first constitution of the Republic of Kosovo was adopted on 7 September 1990.

Events

The Yugoslav operation began at 7:30 AM, from two directions. The first advance moved from the police station toward the health center and the road leading to Stagovo. Units of the Yugoslav armor remained behind to any KLA withdrawal toward the gas station on the opposite side of the Lepenac River. Another police detachment moved to the right of the police station to block any other withdrawals. Near the health center, KLA militants opened fire using small arms, with anti-tank weapons being placed on walls lining the road. Yugoslav infantry returned fire with M53/59 Pragas and a tank providing support. A police detachment engaged with the KLA, leading into an exchange of fire. In the ensuing combat, seven more militants were killed. KLA members attempted to retreat through a gully towards Stagovo. Among them was Kamil Ilazi, the commander of the 162nd Brigade. Fighting continued around houses and courtyards. Close-combat took place at distances of 10 to 15 metres. Reportedly, around ten militants and Qamil Ilazi were killed after grenades were thrown into the gully. A second group of Yugoslav troops maneuvered along the ridge above Kačanik. The fighting lasted until nightfall amid sporadic fire from militant positions in houses. They later retreated to nearby villages thus ending the fighting.