On June 12, 1999, NATO troops entered Kosovo. They ended the Serbian genocide against the innocent Albanian population.

Defense Minister Pirro Vengu marked the day. He said, “Today we remember the day that ended darkness and brought back hope.”

He added, “Every step of NATO troops in Kosovo was a step towards life, freedom, and dignity.”

NATO began bombing Serbian military and police forces on March 24, 1999. The bombing lasted 78 days. As a result, Slobodan Milosevic, known as the “Butcher of the Balkans,” surrendered in Kumanovo.

The war caused great loss to Kosovo. Hundreds of thousands were killed or went missing. Many villages, homes, and cultural sites were destroyed. These included the Gjakova Bazaar and the Albanian League of Prizren’s house and memorial.

Kosovo declared independence on February 17, 2008. Today, the Republic of Kosovo seeks to join the EU and NATO.

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