Authorities in Kosovo said Tuesday they have confirmed a new mass grave in the northern part of the country, expanding an investigation into a suspected war crime committed during the late-1990s independence war. The remains of 11 people have been located so far.
The search began last week in the Zubin Potok area at an initial site and has since widened. Authorities estimate that as many as 23 people may be buried in the surrounding area.
After the remains of seven people were found in a first mass grave and another four at a second site, investigators are now considering excavating a third location.
Officials point to forced disappearances
The Government Commission on Missing Persons said in a statement that, based on initial estimates, the remains belong to victims of forced disappearances during the war.
The remains have been sent to a laboratory for DNA analysis to identify the victims. Prosecutors believe the excavation and identification process could take several months.
Kurti says victims were executed in 1999
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti said Saturday that the people buried in the area are believed to have been forcibly abducted and executed in the spring of 1999.
The Kosovo war between Serbian forces and Kosovar rebels, fought from 1998 to 1999, killed about 13,000 people and left roughly 4,000 missing. After decades of investigation, the remains of thousands of victims have been recovered, but the fate of 1,600 people remains unknown.
