26 Years Since NATO’s Intervention for the Liberation of Kosovo: A Victory of Justice Against Serbian Genocide and the Challenge of True Justice
Written by Flamur Buçpapaj
Today, we mark 26 years since NATO’s historic intervention to stop genocide and liberate Kosovo from the brutal violence and persecution of the Serbian regime. This military intervention, launched on March 24, 1999, was a pivotal moment not only for Kosovo but for the entire world, demonstrating that justice and humanity must be defended, even by force, when a criminal and brutal state power destroys the lives of thousands.
In the years leading up to this intervention, Slobodan Milošević’s Serbia launched a brutal campaign against the Albanians of Kosovo, aiming at ethnic cleansing and the destruction of Albanian culture and identity. The Serbian army and police destroyed villages, killed innocent civilians, and forcibly displaced over one million people. The massacres at Reçak, Drenica, and many other locations remain unacceptable crimes against humanity that demanded an international response.
In this critical situation, the United States, under President Bill Clinton’s leadership, and NATO allies decided to intervene militarily. This decision, though debated and challenged by some countries, was a courageous political and military act that halted the Serbian killing machine and paved the way for freedom for the Albanian people of Kosovo.
However, even today, 26 years later, full justice has not been achieved. A significant number of leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army, such as Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, and Jakup Krasniqi, remain unjustly detained and on trial in The Hague. These men and women, who sacrificed everything for Kosovo’s freedom, face charges often interpreted in a one-sided and political manner, while those who truly committed genocide and atrocities — the Serbian regime and Milošević — have frequently evaded full responsibility and have not sincerely apologized for their crimes.
This is a historical injustice that must be addressed as soon as possible. Instead of honoring those who fought for the freedom and dignity of a nation, they face trials that seem to serve other interests, while the true victims of genocide have yet to receive full justice.
This unstable situation poses a great challenge for peace and stability in the Balkans. Without recognition of the truth and punishment of the real crimes, there can be no reconciliation or lasting coexistence. For this reason, we must seek full justice for the victims and support efforts to build bridges of cooperation and respect among communities.
NATO’s intervention was a powerful message to the world: crimes against humanity cannot go unpunished, and the international community has a moral duty to protect human rights and fight injustice wherever it occurs. Thanks to this intervention, Kosovo today is a free and sovereign state, and this is a victory for justice, peace, and humanity.
Today, on this 26th anniversary, we honor with respect all the martyrs who gave their lives for this just cause, thank the allies and the United States for their unwavering support, and reaffirm our commitment to justice and lasting peace.
Glory to the martyrs of Kosovo! Glory to the USA and NATO! Justice has prevailed, but our work is not finished.
