The Organization of KLA War Veterans (OVL-UÇK) says it does not expect tensions to escalate in Kosovo on September 16, when the Specialist Chambers in The Hague are scheduled to deliver their verdict in the case against former KLA leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi.
OVL-UÇK deputy chairman Gazmend Syla said the organization has no information suggesting that the situation could deteriorate around the verdict. He also confirmed that veterans have been urged to remain calm and exercise restraint.
The comments come after the U.S. Embassy in Prishtina issued a security alert warning that large demonstrations are expected on September 16. American government personnel were advised to avoid unnecessary travel near protest areas, while parents working for the U.S. government were also advised not to send their children to school that day.
Syla said the veterans’ organization does not anticipate any escalation and stressed that former KLA members should remain peaceful.
“We have seen the U.S. Embassy’s warning, which was based on its own assessment. As an organization, we have no information indicating a possible deterioration of the situation. We have called on veterans to remain calm and restrained,” Syla said.
He also appealed for calm among Kosovo’s Serb community, particularly amid reports that some members of the community had sought to extend celebrations connected to a Serbian national holiday into September 16.
Syla reiterated that OVL-UÇK considers an acquittal the only acceptable outcome for the four former KLA leaders. He also rejected the possibility of a court ruling labeling the KLA as a criminal organization, arguing that the war was fought to defend Kosovo.
Meanwhile, Arben Fetoshi, director of the organization “Octapus,” described September 16 as a particularly important day for Kosovo. He said the increased security measures should not be interpreted as an indication of how the verdict will be decided, but rather as precautionary steps in response to possible unrest.
Fetoshi pointed to what he described as the possibility of attempts to provoke tensions as part of Serbia’s broader hybrid strategy. He called for close coordination among Kosovo’s security institutions and international partners to prevent potential provocations or destabilization.
He also said he did not expect a guilty verdict against the former KLA leaders. According to Fetoshi, such an outcome would have broader implications for how the 1999 Kosovo War and NATO’s intervention are viewed internationally.
He argued that a conviction could strengthen narratives portraying the KLA as a criminal organization and questioning NATO’s intervention in Kosovo.
The U.S. Embassy has separately warned American citizens about planned demonstrations in Prishtina and other parts of Kosovo on the day of the verdict.
The Kosovo Police has also announced enhanced security measures, describing them as part of institutional planning aimed at maintaining public order and safety.
On Monday, Kosovo Police held a coordination meeting with international partners, including KFOR, EULEX, representatives of the U.S. Embassy, the EU Office and the OSCE, ahead of the September 16 proceedings.
