# Battle of Llapashtica

The Battle of Llapashtica was a key conflict in the Kosovo War between the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) and Yugoslav forces. Yugoslav troops launched an offensive on the KLA base in Llapashtica, breaking a 2 month ceasefire. Despite being outnumbered, the KLA used anti-tank weapons to inflict heavy damage on the Yugoslav forces. The battle led to the displacement of over 5 thousand ethnic-Albanian civilians and civilian casualties. The international community condemned Yugoslavia’s actions, with NATO warning of possible intervention.

## Background

The Battle of Llapashtica occurred during a period of ceasefire in the Kosovo War, which had been in place before the battle with sporadic fighting breaking out occasionally. The ceasefire was broken when Yugoslav forces launched an offensive on the KLA stronhold in and around Llapashtica, located in the Podujevo municipality This offensive was said to be in retaliation for the assassination of a Serbian state security official by the KLA, although international diplomats dismissed the justification, arguing that such a response was disproportionate. The Yugoslav attack involved a large force, including over 100 tanks and armored vehicles. This area was crucial for the Yugoslav military as they had a military airbase nearby.

## Battle

The battle began when Yugoslav forces launched their offensive in and around the village of Llapashtica, a key KLA stronghold, and spread to surrounding villages, including Glamnik, Obranca, and Burince. The KLA, despite being outnumbered, inflicted heavy damage on Yugoslav armoured units using anti-tank weapons. The Yugoslav forces, which included a significant number of tanks and armoured vehicles, were forced to retreat after the KLA stood their ground and repelled the offensive. The fighting led to the death of 17 KLA fighters, and significant damage was done to Yugoslav vehicles. Ethnic-Albanian civilians were also caught in the crossfire, with 30 civilians killed and an estimated 5,000 displaced, many of whom fled in sub-zero temperatures.
During the battle, the Llapashtica mosque was bombed by the Yugoslav forces, causing severe damage. The area also housed a detention centre for Albanian collaborators and captured Yugoslav prisoners of war, which further heightened the tension during the battle.

## Aftermath

After the battle, the Yugoslav forces continued to attack KLA-held positions in the area, including further bombardments of Llapashtica and its surrounding villages. The KLA's successful defense of their stronghold in Llapashtica marked a significant victory, but it also intensified the humanitarian crisis. Thousands of civilians were displaced and forced to seek refuge in harsh conditions, with many facing freezing temperatures. The destruction of homes, infrastructure, and the mosque added to the suffering.
On the 2nd of January, 5 days after the Battle of Llapashtica had ended, a mobile checkpoint was set up in the vicinity of the place called "Qershitë e Llapashticës". 40 tanks and 20 vehicles were stationed at "Tabet e Llapashticës" and at the airport in Dumosh. At about 3 p.m, Yugoslav military forces opened machine gun fire towards Llapashtica, but no further advancements were made. On the 6th of January, a military convoy consisting of (3 buses, 6 APCs and 2 armoured cars) headed towards Pristina. Yugoslav policemen stationed at the plant for the construction of the Metal Frameworks in Podujeva physically ill-treated passers-by. Yugoslav police and military forces stationed at "Tabet e Llapashticës" looted the house and the car of Bajrush Murati in Llapashtica. Bajrush was killed on December 24th during the battle. The area still remained under rebel control
The KLA gained momentum after their victory, solidifying their control in the region. Despite the victory, the conflict was far from over, as tensions between the KLA and Yugoslav forces continued to rise in the area long after.From February 7-14 frequent shelling and clashes were reported in Llapashtica.
Soon after Mustafa Remi testified in the defense of the on trial Hashim Thaçi,Kadri Veseli and Jakup Krasniqi in 2023 he was arrested for the illegal detention of Albanian prisoners in Llapashtica from October of 1998 until late April of 1999.His co-accused, Latif Gashi and Nazif Mehmeti, also former KLA guerrilla commanders, received prison sentences of six and three years.

## International Reactions

The international community strongly condemned the actions of the Yugoslav forces. NATO warned Yugoslavia of possible intervention for breaking the ceasefire, while the United States demanded that Yugoslavia grant Kosovo maximum autonomy. International diplomats expressed concerns about the disproportionate use of force and the violation of human rights. The bombing of civilian infrastructure, including the mosque and the displacement of civilians, drew widespread condemnation. Despite warnings from NATO and the international community, Yugoslavia brushed off the threat of military intervention, and the conflict continued to escalate.