Hybrid War against Kosovo and Albania: The Role of Serbian Secret Services and the Necessity of Strategic Response
The Arrest of Key KLA Figures, Including Hashim Thaçi, as a Central Element of This Strategy
Flamur Bucpapaj
All Albanians must read this article.
There is formal peace, but not without deep political and social tensions. Serbia has never accepted losing control over Kosovo, and its strategy to regain influence has been oriented toward unconventional forms of conflict known as hybrid warfare.
Through institutions and society, manipulation is a key element of this strategy, serving as a tool to alter the historical narrative and weaken Kosovo’s political and moral subjectivity.
The Arrest of Thaçi and His Associates as a Strategic Tool
In November 2020, the arrest and transfer to the Hague Special Court of Hashim Thaçi and senior KLA officials was exploited by Serbian propaganda to send a powerful international message: that the KLA was not a liberation movement, but a terrorist and criminal organization.
This narrative serves several purposes:
Discrediting the liberation war: By portraying its leaders as war criminals, Serbia attempts to erase its own crimes against the Albanian population.
Demoralizing the people: This weakens trust in justice and state institutions, creating an atmosphere of distrust.
Interfering in political processes: Certain individuals and media funded or influenced by Serbian services use this narrative to politically influence Kosovo and Albania.
This is a typical hybrid warfare operation, where international institutions are used as channels for disinformation campaigns to achieve strategic goals.
Infiltration and Agent Networks
The Serbian Intelligence Service (BIA) has built powerful infiltration networks in Kosovo and Albania:
Undercover agents: Journalists, activists, businessmen, and certain officials cooperating to spread propaganda and influence decision-making.
Local collaborators: Individuals recruited for financial or political interests who operate within state institutions and media.
Controlled media and NGOs: Platforms that openly or covertly spread BIA narratives, aiming to create confusion and polarization.
In 2019, a concrete example was the arrest of a Serbian citizen in Kosovo who operated under the cover of business and had extensive contacts with local officials — a typical case of this strategy.
The Flag and Symbol Wars: A Key Weapon of Hybrid Warfare against Albanians
Manipulation and instrumentalization of national and religious symbols are among the most powerful and widely used tools in the hybrid war Serbia and its secret services conduct against Albanians in Kosovo and Albania. This “flag war” is not merely about rituals or symbolism, but a deliberate strategy to fragment national unity and weaken the historical, cultural, and political bonds that hold the Albanian community together.
Provocations during Public Events and National Holidays
In many public events, festivals, and patriotic gatherings, there have been deliberate cases where flags, slogans, and symbols were placed to create tensions among Albanians. For example:
In several gatherings in Kosovo prior to 2022, Serbian flags and well-known Serbian symbols were raised in predominantly Albanian areas, provoking strong civic and police reactions. These actions aim to provoke physical or verbal clashes, which propaganda then uses to portray an unstable environment.
In sporting events, such as football matches between Albanian and Serbian teams, provocative flags and slogans often appear, spread with the intent of ethnic division and inciting violence.
These episodes are not spontaneous but the result of well-organized planning, often orchestrated by networks connected to Serbian secret services, aiming to create an atmosphere of insecurity and hatred.
Artificial Debates about the Flag: National and Kosovo Flags as Instruments of Division Instead of Unity
These debates strongly divide and polarize Albanian public opinion:
In Kosovo, for example, discussions about the use of the Albanian national flag alongside Kosovo’s state flag have caused heated political and social debates.
Various political groups and media influenced by foreign interests (including Serbian) have fueled debates on the legitimacy of using the national flag in state institutions, thereby creating division among citizens.
This is a sophisticated form of hybrid warfare where the flag, which should symbolize unity and national pride, is used as a tool of division, causing quarrels and disagreements.
This policy has long-term effects, weakening the sense of belonging and unity among Albanians, especially the youth who are sensitive to polarizing messages.
Religious Symbols and Divisions within the Albanian Community
Besides national symbols, religious symbols are also used to create divisions within the Albanian community:
Albania and Kosovo are majority Muslim societies with Christian minorities, and until recently, there has been a traditional coexistence and tolerance among faiths.
However, in recent years, organized attempts have appeared to emphasize religious divides by spreading messages that incite distrust and hatred between Albanian Muslims and Christians.
These messages are disseminated via social media, websites, and organized events where religious symbolism is misused for political or divisive purposes.
This phenomenon deeply impacts the fragmentation of Albanian society, endangering peace and social stability.
The Aim and Consequences of the Flag and Symbol Wars
Through this war of symbols and flags, Serbian secret services and other aggressive actors seek to:
Fragment Albanian national unity, weakening the political and cultural power of the Albanian community in the region.
Weaken historical and cultural ties between Albanians in Kosovo and Albania, creating artificial divisions and mutual distrust.
Create an unstable and conflictual environment that can be exploited for political and strategic purposes, including delaying Kosovo’s European integration and hindering regional cooperation.
The consequences are evident: social tensions, small local clashes, a decline of trust in state institutions, and weakening of national identity overall.
Documented Cases and Empirical Analyses
Studies by the Balkan Regional Security Center and reports by Albanian intelligence services have clearly identified recurring patterns of these actions:
The Mitrovica case, where Serbian flags were provocatively used in 2021.
Social media campaigns from 2019-2023 focusing on inciting debate over flags and religious symbols.
Organization of public manifestations by groups linked to Belgrade that used divisive symbols.
These events clearly demonstrate that the symbol war is an integral part of the strategy to destabilize Kosovo and Albania.
Intra-Ethnic Hatred: A Strategic Threat in the Hybrid War against Albanians
One of the most dangerous and sophisticated aspects of the hybrid war Serbia and its secret services conduct against Albanians in Kosovo and Albania is the incitement of hatred and internal ethnic and political divisions. This is a deliberate strategy to fragment the Albanian community, making it weaker and more divided, so that external influence is easier and more effective.
Political Division and Incitement of Rivalries
In the Albanian political scene, especially in Kosovo but also in Albania, a pronounced climate of rivalry among the main parties continues. These conflicts are not just the result of normal political changes but are often incited, amplified, and manipulated by external actors, including Serbian intelligence services.
Division campaigns: Through media, social networks, and secret contacts, a narrative spreads that each political party is “traitorous,” “corrupt,” or “controlled by Serbia.”
Devaluation of institutions: This highlights citizens’ distrust and dissatisfaction with institutions, creating space for destabilization.
Obstruction of coalitions and cooperation: Deep political rivalry blocks the formation of stable governments and mismatched interests weaken the state against external threats.
This policy is very damaging because it divides the Albanian political class into factions, complicating democratic and reform processes.
Internal Social Divisions and Splits among Albanian Communities
Besides political division, there are systematic efforts to create deeper splits among Albanian communities of Kosovo and Albania.
Divisive narratives: Spreading messages emphasizing “cultural differences,” “different political principles,” or “opposing interests” between Albanians of the two countries Impact on the Diaspora: In Albanian communities abroad, news and opinions are spread that incite divisions and distrust between those coming from Kosovo and Albania.
Weakening of Regional Cooperation: This division undermines economic, political, and cultural cooperation between the two countries, making external interventions easier.
These divisions serve to break the unity that Albanians have traditionally maintained and to influence integration and development processes.
- Spread of Conspiracy Theories and Fake News
A powerful weapon in hybrid warfare is the spread of conspiracy theories and fake news aimed at damaging the image of Albanian leaders and institutions.
Accusations of treason: News is spread claiming certain political figures are “secret collaborators of Serbia” or “foreign agents.”
Accusations of corruption and criminalization: Such news creates an atmosphere of distrust and demoralization, causing citizens to lose faith in governance and justice.
Lack of facts and evidence: Often these accusations are not based on concrete evidence but on deliberate manipulations to divide society.
This practice aims to disorient and halt political and social cooperation, leaving the population immersed in confusion and mistrust.
Consequences of Intra-Ethnic Hatred and Divisions
Weakening political and social stability: Internal divisions destroy Albanians’ capacity to make joint decisions and respond to external challenges.
Increase of local tensions and conflicts: Political and social divisions often escalate into small clashes and violence, weakening security and stability.
Obstruction of Euro-Atlantic integration: Internal disagreements weaken Kosovo’s and Albania’s positions in EU and NATO integration processes.
Growth of Serbian and other external actors’ influence: Such divisions reduce resistance to external influence and hostile propaganda spread.
Strategy Against Division and Hatred
To combat this phenomenon, a comprehensive approach is needed:
Promoting political and social dialogue: Organizing platforms for discussion and cooperation among political forces and different communities.
Strengthening independent and professional media: Media that verify information and fight fake news.
Civic and media education: Educating citizens to recognize and avoid conspiracy theories and false news.
Transparency and institutional accountability: Governments and institutions should be transparent in their actions and respond to accusations with facts and documents.
Regional and international cooperation: Creating mechanisms for information exchange and combating disinformation campaigns.
Psychological Warfare and Perception Destabilization: A Strong Weapon in Hybrid War
One of the most important and sophisticated pillars of the hybrid war being waged against Albanians in Kosovo and Albania is psychological warfare. This form of warfare aims to directly influence perceptions, feelings, and beliefs of the population, making them more susceptible to manipulation and more likely to accept narratives imposed from outside.
Spread of Fake News and “Treason” Narratives
A key tactic is the systematic spread of false news and false accusations of “treason” against Albanian leaders:
Accusations of collaboration with Serbia: Political and military leaders are portrayed as “agents” or “traitors” working against national interests.
Creating suspicion: Through controlled media, social networks, and manipulated information, a deep atmosphere of mistrust toward institutions and public figures is built.
Damage to reputation: This undermines the reputation of individuals and institutions, lowering citizen trust and leaving them confused and unclear about the truth.
This tactic aims to weaken Albanian leadership and create political and moral vacuum.
Fostering Pessimism and Social Apathy
Another important element is spreading the feeling that “nothing matters” and “everyone is equally corrupt”:
Promotion of fatalism: Citizens are encouraged to believe that efforts for change are useless and the system is captured by corruption.
Weakening moral resistance: This makes people more tired and demoralized to engage politically or socially.
Lowering civic participation: Trust in elections, institutions, and social organizations typically decreases, creating room for external influence.
This atmosphere of pessimism and apathy is an effective tool to neutralize civic resistance and facilitate external interventions.
Public Fatigue from Continuous Crises
Another important effect is the creation of collective fatigue due to ongoing social, political, and economic crises:
Political crisis: Frequent government interruptions, institutional conflicts, and lack of stability.
Economic crisis: Unemployment, poverty, and lack of prospects impacting citizens’ daily lives.
Social crisis: Ethnic clashes, intercommunity tensions, and increasing security problems.
This fatigue makes people more prone to accept compromises with Serbia or other actors, even if these harm national interests, just to gain some short-term calm.
Parallels with KGB and Russian FSB Methods
This psychological strategy clearly aligns with the famous methods of the KGB during the Cold War and later the Russian FSB, which include:
“Rejection of truth” (disinformation): Spreading false or distorted information to create doubt and confusion.
Manipulation of public opinion: Using media, public figures, and social networks to spread propaganda and divide societies.
Moral and psychological strikes: Attacking leaders and institutions representing national interests to weaken organization and population confidence.
This alignment shows that psychological warfare in the Balkans is conducted with tactics and tools similar to those used in the most complex international conflicts.
Impacts on Society and Politics
Psychological warfare and perception destabilization bring long-term and multidimensional consequences:
Weakening state capacities: Institutions and leaders are weakened against national and international challenges.
Increase of social tensions: The population becomes more divided and sensitive to extremist messages.
Obstruction of reforms: The atmosphere of distrust and fatigue makes adoption and implementation of necessary reforms difficult.
Deterioration of international image: Weakening political stability makes the country less attractive for investment and international cooperation.
Concrete Examples of BIA Operations and Hybrid Warfare Tactics
Infiltration in Politics and Administration
In 2018, a report by Albanian and Kosovo intelligence offices confirmed the presence of several officials in high institutions who had regular contacts with BIA agents. One of them was a senior local official attempting to interfere in electoral processes to favor certain candidates supported by Belgrade.
This practice is not new and has precedents in the Balkans where Serbia has used influence through individuals in institutions to directly control local policies.
8.2 Propaganda and Disinformation Campaigns
Between 2019 and 2022, pages and accounts on social networks were identified that were created to spread anti-KLA messages and divide public opinion. A well-known example is “Portal X,” which spread false news about Kosovo leaders’ links to organized crime, encouraging people to lose trust in their government. These pages also spread divisive messages among Albanians in Kosovo and Albania, aiming to weaken cooperation between the two countries.
Manipulation of Symbols and Provocations
At a football match in Mitrovica in 2021, provocative flags were raised before the game started, causing tensions and incidents between Albanian and Serbian fans. Security analyses showed that this was a well-planned operation designed to provoke violence and fuel the narrative of destabilizing Kosovo.
Comparison with Russia’s Hybrid War in Ukraine
BIA’s strategies share many similarities with the tactics used by Russia in Ukraine, especially before the 2014 invasion:
Use of propaganda to spread fake news and create divisions within society.
Infiltration of agents and creation of collaborator networks within local institutions.
Manipulation of national and identity symbols to incite civil clashes.
Use of psychological operations to influence public opinion and political decision-making.
This parallel shows that hybrid warfare is a tool widely used by state actors to overturn the international order without open warfare.
Intra-Ethnic Hatred: An Internal Threat in the Hybrid War Against Albanians
Among the many tools used in the hybrid war against Albanians, one of the most dangerous is the incitement and spread of internal ethnic and political hatred and divisions. This strategy aims to weaken national unity by consuming the energy and resources of Albanians in pointless conflicts and divisions that only serve external interests, especially Serbian ones.
Political Division: Rivalries and Distrust Among Albanian Parties
In the Albanian political scene, especially in Kosovo but also in Albania, rivalries among political parties often spiral out of control, creating an atmosphere of distrust and deep division:
The promotion of deep rivalries is a strategy used by external actors to divide the Albanian political class. Through media and covert financial influences, the idea spreads that each political party is linked to different foreign interests, thereby creating mistrust even among Albanians themselves.
Obstruction of cooperation and political dialogue weakens democratic and state processes. This gives space for external interests to more easily influence the state’s strategic decisions.
Ongoing clashes can lead to institutional paralysis and a general climate of pessimism among citizens.
Divisions Within Society: Divides Among Albanians in Kosovo and Albania
Another dimension of this policy is the creation of narratives aimed at dividing the Albanian communities in the two friendly states, Kosovo and Albania:
Divisive narratives spread ideas emphasizing cultural, political, or economic differences between Albanians of Kosovo and those of Albania.
Weakening of historical and cultural ties between the two countries, which have traditionally been allies and mutual supporters.
Obstruction of regional cooperation and political integration by fostering an atmosphere of mistrust and negative competition instead of solidarity.
This is a strategy that tries to break national unity and divide the Albanian community into different fronts that do not serve its interests.
Spread of Conspiracy Theories and Fake News
Among the most used tools in this divisive campaign are conspiracy theories and fake news that fundamentally attack citizens’ trust in leaders and institutions:
Accusations of treason and collaboration with Serbia: Spreading baseless news that some Albanian leaders are agents of Belgrade, creating mistrust and division.
Fake news about corruption and abuses: Used to discredit political figures and cause dissatisfaction and anger among citizens.
Manipulation of information for political and destabilizing purposes, leaving the population confused and skeptical.
This approach undermines trust in governance and makes normal functioning of the state and society more difficult.
Strategic Goal: Consuming Internal Energy and Weakening Against External Influences
This policy of intra-ethnic division and hatred has a clear strategic purpose:
To consume the energy and capacities of Albanians in internal conflicts, leaving them unable to face external threats and influences.
To weaken national unity, which is the greatest strength of Albanians in the Balkans and a barrier against aggressive interventions by other states.
To facilitate easier interference in political and social processes, as a divided community is more vulnerable to manipulation.
At its core, this policy aims for Albanians to be divided and no longer a united and determined force defending national interests.
Consequences for Albanian Society and State
The consequences of intra-ethnic divisions and hatred are severe and long-lasting:
Weakening political and social stability, directly impacting economic development and citizens’ welfare.
Increasing ethnic and religious tensions, which can escalate into local conflicts and violent incidents.
Loss of trust in state institutions, hindering effective functioning of democracy and rule of law.
Weakening of the international image, negatively affecting relations with strategic partners and foreign investments.
Concrete Examples of BIA Operations and Hybrid Warfare Tactics
Infiltration in Politics and Administration
In 2018, a report from Albanian and Kosovo intelligence offices confirmed the presence of several officials in high institutions who had regular contacts with BIA agents. One of them was a senior local official attempting to interfere in electoral processes to favor certain candidates supported by Belgrade.
This practice is not new and has precedents in the Balkans where Serbia has used influence through individuals in institutions to directly control local policies.
Propaganda and Disinformation Campaign
Between 2019 and 2022, pages and accounts on social networks were identified that were created to spread anti-KLA messages and divide public opinion. A well-known example is “Portal X,” which spread false news about Kosovo leaders’ links to organized crime, encouraging people to lose trust in their government.
These pages also spread divisive messages among Albanians in Kosovo and Albania, aiming to weaken cooperation between the two countries.
Manipulation of Symbols and Provocations
At a football match in Mitrovica in 2021, provocative flags were raised before the game started, causing tensions and incidents between Albanian and Serbian fans. Security analyses showed this was a well-planned operation to provoke violence and fuel the narrative of Kosovo’s destabilization.
Intra-Ethnic Hatred: An Internal Threat in the Hybrid War Against Albanians
One of the most dangerous effects of the hybrid war against Albanians is the creation of internal conflicts that weaken national unity. This strategy includes political division, social splits among Albanians in Kosovo and Albania, as well as spreading conspiracy theories that undermine trust in institutions.
Political Division: Rivalries and Distrust
In Kosovo and Albania, political rivalries are often intense and in some cases deepened by external interventions:
The clash between the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) and Vetëvendosje (VV): Between 2019-2023, conflict between these two main political forces was amplified in media and social networks, creating a polarized atmosphere that hindered cooperation on important reforms. During this period, false accusations of treason against some political leaders also spread, weakening public trust.
Fierce debates in Albania about government and opposition: Political conflicts in Albania often take scandalous forms in the media, where clashes not only spread divisions among citizens b Deep Divisions Within Parties:
In some cases, foreign influences have been reported in internal party splits, where rival groups try to discredit each other by using accusations of connections with Serbia or foreign interests.
Divisions Within Society: Splits Between Albanians in Kosovo and Albania
Divisions and a sense of “otherness” between Albanians in Kosovo and Albania have been exploited to weaken cooperation between them:
Narratives about “Kosovars” and “Albanians” being different: On some social media and through propaganda, attempts are made to emphasize an artificial division between Albanians in Kosovo and Albania, promoting the idea that these two communities have different interests and identities.
Debates about the use of the flag and national symbols: In some cases, the use of the Albanian flag in Kosovo’s institutions has caused debates and divisions, amplified by external actors to create artificial splits.
Influence on the diaspora: Among Albanian communities abroad, narratives have spread aiming to create divisions and distrust between Kosovars and Albanians from Albania, exploiting cultural and political insecurities.
Spread of Conspiracy Theories and Fake News
Unfounded news and accusations that weaken trust in governance and leaders have continuously been spread:
Accusations against Hashim Thaçi and other leaders for “collaboration with Serbia”: Before his arrest at The Hague, unproven rumors circulated portraying him as a traitor, undermining popular support and creating confusion.
Theories that Albanian governments are “captured” by Serbia or foreign interests: These conspiracy theories spread massively on social networks, creating an atmosphere of distrust and division.
Fake news during protests and major events: For example, during civic protests in Kosovo, false reports about acts of violence that did not occur were spread, aiming to destabilize the situation and discredit the organizers.
Purpose and Consequences of the Policy of Division
This campaign of division aims for Albanians to:
Consume energy in internal conflicts, preventing them from effectively facing external challenges and threats.
Be weakened on the international stage, losing credibility and unity, which are the foundations of national strength.
Spread divisions and distrust that can lead to social tensions and local clashes, exploited by destabilizing actors.
The consequences include weakening institutions, increasing ethnic and political divisions, and hindering economic and social development.
Concrete Examples of Intra-Ethnic and Political Divisions
Pristina Incident, 2018:
During an anti-government protest, false information about clashes between different Albanian community members spread on social media, escalating tensions and creating unnecessary fear in the city.
Media Clashes Between Kosovo and Albania:
In some cases, major media outlets in Kosovo and Albania have launched critical campaigns against each other, fostering divisions and negative perceptions among citizens of the two countries.
Accusations of “Treason” During Kosovo-Serbia Dialogue:
Between 2020-2023, key political figures were often publicly accused of “harmful compromise” with Serbia, without concrete evidence, creating deep divisions in public opinion and political elites.
Further Examples of Intra-Ethnic and Political Divisions
Clashes Between Religious Communities in Kosovo (2014–2016):
In cities like Prizren and Mitrovica, tensions flared between Muslim and Christian Albanian communities, incited by external actors spreading hate messages and misunderstandings through local media and social networks. These clashes were used to undermine the traditional coexistence of Albanians and divide the community.
Media Campaigns Against Political Figures in Albania (2017–2021):
During parliamentary and local elections in Albania, some major media published articles focused on discrediting candidates from various parties, often using baseless accusations of corruption or collaboration with Serbia or other countries, creating a deeply polarized climate among party supporters.
Debates Over the National Flag at Sports Events Between Kosovo and Albania:
At some football matches involving teams from Kosovo and Albania, disputes about the use of the Albanian flag and national symbols created tensions and heated debates in media and social networks, exploiting these issues to fuel artificial divisions between two communities traditionally closely connected.
Divisions in the Albanian Diaspora in Europe and the USA (2000–2023):
In Albanian communities in Switzerland, Germany, the USA, and Canada, the spread of fake news and conspiracy theories has caused divisions among the diaspora, splitting people into groups supporting different parties or holding opposing views on national and political issues. This has weakened the diaspora’s influence in supporting Albanian causes.
Manipulation of Civic Protests in Kosovo (2019–2022):
During protests against corruption and misgovernance in Kosovo, attempts by various groups to infiltrate and polarize protesters were reported, creating clashes between different ethnic and political groups, exploiting these events to create intentional divisions and tensions.
Hate and Division Within the Albanian Community Are Among the Most Dangerous Weapons in the Hybrid War Against Our Nation
Political divisions, social splits, and the spread of conspiracy theories are deliberate strategies aimed at weakening national unity and consuming internal energy in futile conflicts.
Concrete examples from the political and social life of Kosovo, Albania, and the Albanian diaspora clearly show how these divisions have been used as tools to undermine trust in state institutions and leaders, divide the community, and create an unstable environment.
In this great challenge, only through cooperation, open dialogue, and joint efforts to combat disinformation and divisions can Albanians preserve the strength and national consciousness that are the foundation of independence and sustainable development.
It is the duty of everyone, from ordinary citizens to the highest institutions, to work on building bridges of cooperation and to fight any attempt that aims to divide and weaken our people. Only in this way can we successfully face external challenges and build a safer and more united future for all Albanians.ut are also used by external actors to undermine stability.
