2015 Kumanovo clashes

In 2001, there was a conflict between Macedonia and the National Liberation Army (NLA).{{cite book |editor1=Oliver P. Richmond |editor2=Gëzim Visoka |title=The Palgrave Encyclopedia of Peace and Conflict Studies |date=2022 |publisher=Springer Nature |isbn=9783030779542 |pages=354, 355-356}} During the conflict, the region of Kumanovo was at the center of hostilities.{{cite web |title=Macedonia: police officers and 'armed group' members killed during clashes |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/10/macedonia-police-alleged-armed-group-balkans-kumanovo |website=The Guardian |date=10 May 2015}} A large community of ethnic Albanians has been living in the region.{{cite news|title=Okršaj u MKD, ubijena tri policajca|url=http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2015&mm=05&dd=09&nav_category=167&nav_id=989780 |newspaper=B92 |date=9 May 2015 |access-date=9 May 2015 }} The event occurred during a deep political crisis in the Republic of Macedonia, dating back to the 2014 general elections.{{cite book |editor1=Robert Hudson |editor2= Ivan Dodovski |title=Macedonia’s Long Transition: From Independence to the Prespa Agreement and Beyond |date=2023 |publisher=Springer Nature |isbn=9783031207730 |page=18}} The main opposition party, the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia (SDSM), had been making allegations of electoral fraud, denounced the conservative VMRO-DPMNE's party victory and had boycotted the Assembly since.{{cite web |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-macedonia-parliament-idUKKBN0DQ0CX20140510 |title=Opposition boycotts new Macedonian parliament |publisher=Reuters |date=10 May 2014 |access-date=10 May 2015 |author=Casule, Kole |archive-date=27 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127004403/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-macedonia-parliament-idUKKBN0DQ0CX20140510 |url-status=dead }} Since early 2015, the Social Democratic leader, Zoran Zaev, came into possession of mass illegal wire-tap recordings allegedly orchestrated by Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/27/fears-macedonias-fragile-democracy-amid-coup-wiretap-claims |title=Fears for Macedonia's fragile democracy amid 'coup' and wiretap claims |work=The Guardian |date=27 February 2015 |access-date=10 May 2015 |author=MacDowall, Andrew}} Zaev started releasing the so-called information "bombs," a series of wire-tapped conversations between the conservative government officials, most of them including Macedonia's Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski. In doing so, he has made allegations that Gruevski has ordered the wire-tapping of some 20,000 Macedonian citizens and having control over the court system in Macedonia.{{cite web |url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/03/23/macedonians-divided-over-massive-wiretapping-scandal-government-suspects-coup/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323170059/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/03/23/macedonians-divided-over-massive-wiretapping-scandal-government-suspects-coup/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 23, 2015 |title=Macedonians divided over massive wiretapping scandal; government suspects coup plot |publisher=Fox News |agency=Associated Press |date=23 March 2015 |access-date=10 May 2015}}

Macedonian media released claims from inhabitants of Zajaz in Kumanovo that they saw around 50 armed men in the early morning. On 9 May, the Macedonian police equipped with armored vehicles and machine guns moved in on Kumanovo to seek an Albanian armed group allegedly planning attacks around the country.{{cite web |title=Leaked Tapes, Shootout, and Protests Prompt Senior Macedonian Officials to Resign |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/leaked-tapes-shootout-and-protests-prompt-senior-macedonian-officials-to-resign/ |website=Vice News |date=12 May 2015}} The government stated that the armed group numbered 50–70, and the armed men hid in private homes in the Kumanovo neighborhood of Divo Naselje. A shootout between the Macedonian police and the armed group identifying itself as the NLA erupted.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32674121 |title=Macedonia police fight an 'armed terrorist group' |publisher=BBC |agency=Associated Press |date=9 May 2015 |access-date=9 May 2015}} The armed group used automatic rifles, sniper rifles, and grenades against the police, and were said by officials to be well-trained.{{cite news|title=Haos u Kumanovu: Pucnji, gore kuće|url=http://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2015&mm=05&dd=09&nav_category=167&nav_id=989901 |newspaper=B92 |date=9 May 2015 |access-date=9 May 2015}} The Macedonian police suffered 3 dead and 12 were wounded in the morning. The inhabitants in the area were evacuated by Macedonian police during the day. Serbia reinforced its border zone. Serbian state news agency Tanjug reported that a large number of Albanians from Kumanovo crossed the border into Serbia.{{cite news|title=Serbia sends more police to border with Macedonia|url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/politics.php?yyyy=2015&mm=05&dd=09&nav_id=94062 |newspaper=B92 |date=9 May 2015 |access-date=9 May 2015}}

Around 18:00 CET, the Macedonian media reported that the fighting had stopped, with 27 of the militants having surrendered. However, after most of them surrendered in the evening,{{cite web |url=http://www.alfa.mk/News.aspx?id=93446#.VU5gPY6qqko |title=Алфа ексклузивно - дел од терористичката група и се предаде на полицијата |publisher=Alfa TV |date=9 May 2015 |access-date=9 May 2015 |language=Macedonian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512023748/http://www.alfa.mk/News.aspx?id=93446#.VU5gPY6qqko |archive-date=12 May 2015 |url-status=dead }}[http://www.dtt-net.com/en/index.php?page=view-article&article=8393 Gunfire in Macedonia ends as armed men surrender] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518065810/http://www.dtt-net.com/en/index.php?page=view-article&article=8393 |date=2015-05-18 }} - www.dtt-net.com (9 May 2015) there was still sporadic shooting.{{cite web |url=http://www.alfa.mk/News.aspx?id=93449#.VU5ixo6qqko |title=Поголем дел од терористите се предадоа, се уште има спорадични престрелки |publisher=Alfa TV |date=9 May 2015 |access-date=9 May 2015 |language=Macedonian |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511221202/http://www.alfa.mk/News.aspx?ID=93449#.VU5ixo6qqko |archive-date=11 May 2015 |url-status=dead }} Macedonian investigators identified the militants as Macedonian and Kosovan nationals, and that they had the intention to attack government institutions and buildings.{{cite web |url=http://www.alfa.mk/News.aspx?id=93439#.VU5iw46qqko |title=Mинистерството за внатрешни работи не открива дали има жртви во вооружената престрелка во кумановската населба, Диво населје, помеѓу припадниците на МВР и групата терористи. |publisher=Alfa TV |date=9 May 2015 |access-date=9 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510113937/http://www.alfa.mk/News.aspx?id=93439#.VU5iw46qqko |archive-date=10 May 2015 |url-status=dead }} According to Albanian media, NLA claimed responsibility.{{cite news |title=Gunfire, explosions rock Kumanovo, NLA claims responsibility for the attack |publisher=Albeu |url=http://english.albeu.com/news/news/gunfire-explosions-rock-kumanovo-nla-claims-responsibility-for-the-a/198356/ |date=9 May 2015 |access-date=9 May 2015 |archive-date=21 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321221455/http://english.albeu.com/news/news/gunfire-explosions-rock-kumanovo-nla-claims-responsibility-for-the-a/198356/ |url-status=dead}} By 10 May, the Macedonian police confirmed that the armed group had been neutralized. 8 policemen were killed and 37 policemen were injured.{{cite web |title=Smoke and Mirrors: A Macedonian Spy Mystery |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2018/05/09/smoke-and-mirrors-a-macedonian-spy-mystery-05-08-2018/ |website=Balkan Insight |date=8 May 2018}} There was also property damage, but no civilians were injured.

The Macedonian authorities stated that the "gunmen were ethnic Albanian terrorists, mostly Macedonian, but led by five Albanians from neighboring Kosovo."{{cite web |title=Macedonia clashes: ‘My town looks like a war zone’ |url=https://observers.france24.com/en/20150511-macedonia-clashes-kumanovo-albanian |website=France 24 Observers |date=11 May 2015}} The government also described the gunmen as "former rebel commanders from neighboring Kosovo, which broke from Serbia in war in 1999 and inspired an ethnic Albanian insurgency in Macedonia two years later."{{cite web |title=Gun battle in ethnic Albanian region deepens Macedonian crisis |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2015/05/10/us-macedonia-policeidUSKBN0NU06X20150510/ |website=Reuters |date=10 May 2015}} Gruevski and VMRO-DPMNE presented the incident as a "terrorist attack". The pro-government media also called for the country's unification behind the government and labeled people who disputed the official interpretation of events as traitors.{{cite book |author=Filip Milačić |title=Stateness and Democratic Consolidation: Lessons from Former Yugoslavia |date=2022 |publisher=Springer Nature |isbn=9783031048227 |page=99}}{{cite web |title=The deep roots of Macedonia's current turmoil – and the way forward |url=https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/can-europe-make-it/deep-roots-of-macedonias-current-turmoil-and-way-forward/ |website=openDemocracy |date=13 May 2015}} Sami Ukshini, Beg Rizaj, Demë Shehu, Muhamet Krasniqi and Mirsad Ndrecaj were identified as the leaders of the armed group.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-32680904 |title=Macedonia blames Kosovans for deadly Kumanovo clashes |publisher=BBC |work=Agence France-Presse |date=10 May 2015 |access-date=12 May 2015}} After the clashes, Macedonian prosecutors charged 30 militants with terrorism.{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-05-12/macedonia-charges-30-with-terrorism-after-kumanovo-shooting/6461990 |title=Macedonia charges 30 suspects with terrorism after deadly clashes in Kumanovo |publisher=ABC Australia |work=Agence France-Presse |date=12 May 2015 |access-date=12 May 2015}} Authorities said that 18 of the suspects were ethnic Albanian illegal immigrants from Kosovo. 10-14 militants were killed in the clashes. {{Cite web |last=Elezi |first=Nazmi |date=2015-05-17 |title=Prokuroria: Në Kumanovë 10 të vrarë nga grupi i armatosur, e jo 14 - Telegrafi |url=https://telegrafi.com/prokuroria-ne-kumanove-10-te-vrare-nga-grupi-i-armatosur-e-jo-14/ |access-date=2024-04-05 |language=en-US}} {{Cite web |title=Macedonia says 10 militants killed, not 14, in weekend gunbattle |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/macedonia-police-idINKBN0O01VJ20150515/ |access-date=2024-04-05}} On 10 May 2015, the Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov called an emergency meeting of the country's National Security Council where the leadership of the Macedonian army, police, and political leaders from governing and opposition parties met in the presidential palace to discuss the events.{{cite web |url=http://www.independent.mk/articles/17319/Macedonian+Security+Council+to+Hold+Session+on+Kumanovo+Developments |title=Macedonian Security Council to Hold Session on Kumanovo Developments |publisher=Independent.mk |date=10 May 2015 |access-date=12 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054359/http://www.independent.mk/articles/17319/Macedonian+Security+Council+to+Hold+Session+on+Kumanovo+Developments |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead }} After the meeting, Ivanov stated that "police have prevented coordinated terrorist attacks at different locations in the country that would cause serious destabilization, chaos and fear," adding that the authorities were aware of the armed group's activities since "early 2015."{{cite web |url=http://www.dw.de/macedonia-killings-exacerbate-political-crisis/a-18443806 |title=Crisis in Macedonia |publisher=Deutsche Welle |date=11 May 2015 |access-date=12 May 2015 |author=Georgievski, Boris}} The Macedonian government declared two national days of mourning after the attacks for the police officers that lost their lives during the attack.{{cite web |url=http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/macedonia-mourns-for-killed-policemen-while-shootout-continues |title=Macedonia Declares Mourning For Police Killed in Gunbattles |publisher=Balkan Insight |date=10 May 2015 |access-date=12 May 2015}} On 14 May, US Ambassador to the OSCE, Daniel Baer thanked the OSCE Mission to Skopje for its "constructive role in facilitating a ceasefire".{{Cite web|url=https://mk.usembassy.gov/amb-baer-osce-developments-macedonia/|title=Amb. Baer at OSCE on Developments in Macedonia|website=U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia|date=14 May 2015}} Kosovo Police raided several households in Kosovo on 15 May in response to the clashes.{{cite web |title=Kosovo chases suspects linked to Macedonia clashes |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/5/15/kosovo-chases-suspects-linked-to-macedonia-clashes |website=Al Jazeera |date=15 May 2015}} On 22 May, Macedonia transferred the bodies of 9 ethnic Albanian gunmen to Kosovo.{{cite web |title=Skopje returns nine bodies to Kosovo |url=https://www.dw.com/en/skopje-returns-nine-bodies-from-kumanovo-clashes-to-kosovo/a-18471293 |website=Deutsche Welle |date=22 May 2015}} Veterans' organizations and their families organized their burial in Pristina on 26 May,{{cite web |title=Thousands of Kosovars mourn Albanian militants killed in Macedonia |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/world/thousands-of-kosovars-mourn-albanian-militants-killed-in-macedonia-idUSKBN0OB22Y/ |website=Reuters |date=26 May 2015}} calling the killed men national heroes.{{cite web |title=Former Kosovo Fighters Salute Men Killed in Kumanovo |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2015/05/26/former-kosovo-guerilla-honor-those-killed-in-kumanovo/ |website=Balkan Insight |date=26 May 2015}}

The group was not supported by the local population or the political parties.{{cite web |title=Calm Returns to Devastated Macedonian Town |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2015/05/11/calm-in-macedonian-town-after-weekend-shootout/ |website=Balkan Insight |date=11 May 2015}} The trial against the defendants began in February 2016. The prosecution accused the defendants of being previously involved in an attack on a police station in Gošince. The defendants' lawyers alleged there was police brutality against their clients during their transportation from prison to the court and return.{{cite web |url=http://www.eurasiareview.com/22092016-suspicion-shadows-albanian-terror-trial-in-macedonia-analysis/ |title=Suspicion Shadows 'Albanian Terror' Trial In Macedonia – Analysis |website=Eurasia Review |publisher=Balkan Insight |date=22 September 2016}} In November 2017, 33 ethnic Albanians were found guilty of terrorism and given prison sentences by the Skopje Criminal Court, while 4 were acquitted.{{cite web |title=Macedonia Gives Kumanovo Gunmen Heavy Jail Terms |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2017/11/02/macedonia-kumanovo-shootout-trial-verdict-11-02-2017/ |website=Balkan Insight |date=2 November 2017}} The defendants denied the charges against them, saying they acted in self-defense, while other defendants said they had been victims of a politically motivated set-up. A week after the verdict, family members and relatives of the convicted protested in Skanderbeg Square in Skopje, claiming their innocence.{{cite web |title="Kumanovo group", heavy convictions for the 2015 shootout |url=https://www.balcanicaucaso.org/eng/All-the-news/Kumanovo-group-heavy-convictions-for-the-2015-shootout-184346 |website=Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa |date=27 November 2017}} The Kosovo government decided on 10 November to give 219,000 euros in aid to the families of the convicts and those killed during the clashes.{{cite web |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2017/11/10/kosovo-govt-helps-families-of-kumanovo-group-11-10-2017/ |title=Kosovo Aids Families of Macedonia Shootout Convicts |website=Balkan Insight |date=10 November 2017}} Kosovo Liberation Army veterans and their supporters protested against the convictions on 28 November in Pristina.{{cite web |title=Kosovo Veterans Protest at Macedonia Shootout Convictions |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2017/11/28/kla-veterans-protest-against-the-sentences-on-kumanovo-case-11-28-2017/ |website=Balkan Insight |date=28 November 2017}} Similar protests were organized in several towns in Kosovo, including Pristina, Gjilan, and Peja. Demonstrators demanded their release while burning the flag of the Republic of Macedonia. The transfer of prisoners to Kosovo has been discussed by the news media but it was not fulfilled.{{cite web | url=https://sitel.com.mk/osudenicite-od-divo-naselje-kje-bidat-prefrleni-vo-kosovo | title=Осудениците од "Диво Насеље" ќе бидат префрлени во Косово | publisher=Sitel Televizija | date=8 May 2023 | access-date=8 May 2023 }}{{cite web |title=Косово треба да ги признае пресудите за „Диво Насеље“, па да размислува за префрлање на затворениците, посочува Лога |url=https://makfax.com.mk/makedonija/%D0%BA%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BE-%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B1%D0%B0-%D0%B4%D0%B0-%D0%B3%D0%B8-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B7%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%B5-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%83%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5-%D0%B7/ |website=Makfax |access-date=27 August 2023 |date=8 May 2023}}{{cite web |title=Аврамовска Мадиќ: Досега нема предмет за екстрадиција на осудените за „Диво насеље“ |url=https://mia.mk/story/%D0%B0%D0%B2%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B0-%D0%BC%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%9C-%D0%B4%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%B5%D0%B3%D0%B0-%D0%BD%D0%B5%D0%BC%D0%B0-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%BC%D0%B5%D1%82-%D0%B7%D0%B0-%D0%B5%D0%BA%D1%81%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B8%D1%86%D0%B8%D1%98%D0%B0-%D0%BD%D0%B0-%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%83%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5-%D0%B7%D0%B0-%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%BE-%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%B5%D1%99%D0%B5 |website=MIA |access-date=27 August 2023 |date=11 May 2023}} A monument to the killed police officers was revealed in August 2023.{{cite web |title=Interior Minister unveils memorial honoring police officers who lost their lives in anti-terror raid |url=https://mia.mk/en/story/interior-minister-unveils-memorial-honoring-police-officers-who-lost-their-lives-in-antiterror-raid |date=23 August 2023 |website=MIA}}

File:Gjorge Ivanov Munich Security Conference 2010.jpg said the reason for the conflict was due to Macedonia being left "outside of EU integration."]]

In his speech, the Macedonian Prime Minister Gruevski, praised the police operation calling it a "highly professional, heroic and patriotic action,"{{cite web |url=http://www.dw.de/macedonian-police-wipe-out-albanian-terrorists/a-18442732 |title=Macedonian police wipe out Albanian 'terrorists' |publisher=Deutsche Welle |date=10 May 2015 |access-date=12 May 2015}} adding that the "group planned to attack sports events, shopping malls, as well as state-run institutions." He also hailed the eight Macedonian policemen that died during the raid, but also claimed that "their courage may have prevented the killing of some other 8,000 people."{{cite web |url=http://kurir.mk/en/?p=45281 |title=Gruevski: The eight heroes who died perhaps saved 8,000 people from terrorists |publisher=Kurir |date=11 May 2015 |access-date=12 May 2015}} Gruevski, during his televised address, said "this is not a Macedonian-Albanian conflict, but a conflict between people who mean no good to the state and people who uphold the state."{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-macedonia-police-idUSKBN0NU06X20150510 |title=Gun battle in ethnic Albanian region deepens Macedonian crisis |publisher=Reuters |date=10 May 2015 |access-date=12 May 2015 |author=Robinson, Matt}}

President Ivanov said that the Macedonian authorities were aware of the presence of the group within the country since the beginning of 2015. Per him, both EU and NATO members, as well as neighboring countries, were warned about the activities of the group.{{cite web |title=Macedonia Was Aware of Danger Posed by Kumanovo Attackers |url=https://m.novinite.com/articles/168442/Macedonia+Was+Aware+of+Danger+Posed+by+Kumanovo+Attackers |website=Sofia News Agency |date=11 May 2015}} He also stated that "at the meeting of the National Security Council, which was attended by representatives of the opposition, the attack on the security of the country, whose aim was to destabilise Macedonia, was condemned in the strongest terms," pointing out that "it is high time that those conversations intensified" on the matter of Macedonia joining the European Union and NATO.{{cite web |url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/region.php?yyyy=2015&mm=05&dd=11&nav_id=94070 |title=Ivanov: "Lack of EU and NATO integration to blame for conflict" |publisher=B92 |work=Tanjug |date=11 May 2015 |access-date=12 May 2015}}

The clashes occurred shortly after the release of audio surveillance revealing corruption on a massive scale committed by the leading party in government. Many opposition leaders and political experts claimed the shootout was politically set up to divert the public's attention away from the scandals revolving around the corruption allegations. They also claimed there was evidence that the group was paid 2 million euros to carry out the clashes. Local analysts and international academics have also questioned the government's version of events.{{cite web |title=Government's Claims About Macedonia Terrorist Group Met Skeptically |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/macedonia-government-claims-of-terrorist-group-met-with-skepticism/27010370.html |website=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=11 May 2015}}{{cite web |title=Violence between Macedonia police and 'terrorists' increases scrutiny of PM |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/11/macedonia-violence-nikola-gruevski-government |website=The Guardian |date=12 May 2015}} Then-leader of the opposition Zoran Zaev stated that "strong indications exist that this is a scenario planned by those in power."{{cite book |editor1=Nemanja Džuverović |editor2=Věra Stojarová |title=Peace and Security in the Western Balkans: A Local Perspective |date=2022 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=9781003276661 |page=75}} VMRO DPMNE strongly denied the claims that it was behind the Kumanovo incident and that it was staged.{{cite web |url=https://balkaninsight.com/2016/04/27/albanian-opposition-parties-join-to-rally-in-kumanovo-04-27-2016/ |title=Macedonia Albanians to Mark Kumanovo Carnage |website=Balkan Insight |date=27 April 2016}} After he became the prime minister, Zaev declared there would be an international probe.{{cite web |url=http://www.gazetaexpress.com/en/news/macedonian-pm-announces-international-probe-on-kumanovo-shooting-173366/ |title=Macedonian PM announces international probe on Kumanovo shooting |access-date=2018-02-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181121104445/https://www.gazetaexpress.com/en/news/macedonian-pm-announces-international-probe-on-kumanovo-shooting-173366/ |archive-date=2018-11-21 |url-status=dead}} Minister of Interior Oliver Spasovski also said that he would call for an international investigation. However, such an investigation has not been conducted. Regarding the incident, political scientist Florian Bieber wrote: "While the full story of the Kumanovo incident might never come to light, the timing, the confrontation itself, and its background have raised serious doubts about the veracity of the government version of events."{{cite book |author=Florian Bieber |title=The Rise of Authoritarianism in the Western Balkans |date=2018 |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |isbn=9783030221485 |page=92}}

• {{flag|Albania}} - Albanian Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati called for an international investigation into the shooting. He stated that the Ohrid Agreement and its implementation represent "the basis for the democratic stability and Euro-Atlantic future of Macedonia" and that "democratic rights in Macedonia should be respected."{{cite news|title=Tirana seeks international probe into Kumanovo events|url=http://www.b92.net/eng/news/region.php?yyyy=2015&mm=05&dd=15&nav_id=94136|access-date=16 May 2015|publisher=B92|date=15 May 2015}} Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama also reacted to what had happened in Kumanovo, and while he was attending a ministerial meeting he stated that his country would veto Macedonia's NATO candidacy if it did not respect the rights of its ethnic Albanian minority.{{Cite web|title=Albania threatens to veto Macedonia's NATO bid|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/albania-threatens-veto-macedonias-nato-bid-185836194.html?ref=gs|access-date=2016-10-03|archive-date=2020-07-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708214122/https://www.yahoo.com/news/albania-threatens-veto-macedonias-nato-bid-185836194.html?ref=gs|url-status=dead}}
• {{flag|Bulgaria}} - Bulgarian prime minister Boyko Borisov, on 13 May 2015, told the country's parliament that he has sent Bulgarian Army troops to the border with Macedonia{{cite web | url=https://euobserver.com/beyond-brussels/128707 | title=Bulgaria sends army to Macedonia border | publisher=EUobserver | date=13 May 2015 | access-date=15 May 2015 | author=Zhelev, Veselin}} in order to stop a possible influx of refugees into the country and to prepare to stop potential terrorist attacks.
• {{flag|European Union}} - The EU's commissioner for negotiations on enlargement and neighborhood policy, Johannes Hahn, sent three messages about the attacks in Kumanovo, writing "we call on all concerned parties and stakeholders to cooperate in clarifying what happened, who was in charge and who is responsible for it and to act united on this issue."{{cite web |url=http://kurir.mk/en/?p=45317 |title=Hahn sent three messages associated with the terrorist attack in Kumanovo |publisher=Kurir |date=11 May 2015 |access-date=12 May 2015}} He also stated that he urges "the authorities and all political and community leaders to cooperate, to restore calm and fully investigate the events in an objective and transparent manner within the Law."{{cite web |url=http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_STATEMENT-15-4955_en.htm?locale=en |title=Statement by Commissioner Hahn on the situation in Kumanovo, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia |publisher=European Union (Commission Press Release) |date=10 May 2015 |access-date=12 May 2015 |author=Jahannes Hahn}}
• {{flag|Greece}} - Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias met with his Macedonian counterpart Nikola Poposki in Antalya on 13 May, on the side of a NATO Foreign Ministers meeting. He offered Greece's condolences to the families of the victims.{{cite news|title=Foreign Minister Kotzias meets with FYROM Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki (Antalya, 13 May 2015)|url=http://www.mfa.gr/en/current-affairs/news-announcements/foreign-minister-kotzias-meets-with-fyrom-foreign-minister-nikola-poposki-antalya-13-may-2015.html|access-date=16 May 2015|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Greece)|date=13 May 2015}}
• {{flag|Kosovo}} - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kosovo released a statement condemning the violence and called for respect for the Ohrid Agreement of 2001.{{cite news|title=MFA appeals for restraint in Macedonia|url=http://www.mfa-ks.net/?page=2,4,2628&offset=5#.VVdMFZPuNzU|access-date=16 May 2015|agency=Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kosovo)|date=9 May 2015}} In a meeting with the Macedonian ambassador to Kosovo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Petrit Selimi promised that Kosovo would intensify co-operation with Macedonian authorities and agreed to share information on suspected culprits.{{cite news|title=Kosovo and Macedonia intensify exchange of information|url=http://www.mfa-ks.net/?page=2,4,2631#.VVdLmpPuNzU|access-date=16 May 2015|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kosovo)|date=14 May 2015|archive-date=21 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150521043429/http://www.mfa-ks.net/?page=2,4,2631#.VVdLmpPuNzU|url-status=dead}}
• {{flag|NATO}} - NATO Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, at a press conference at the NATO headquarters in Brussels stated "Macedonian police was ready to handle the situation, but unfortunately with lost [sic]," adding "I urge everyone to exercise restraint and avoid any further escalation, in the interest of the country and the whole region."{{cite web |url=http://kurir.mk/en/?p=45314 |title=Stoltenberg: Macedonian police proved that can handle the situation |publisher=Kurir |date=11 May 2015 |access-date=12 May 2015 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304025341/http://kurir.mk/en/?p=45314 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://en.tengrinews.kz/politics_sub/Nato-head-Stoltenberg-urges-restraint-in-Macedonia-crisis-260261/ |title=Nato head Stoltenberg urges 'restraint' in Macedonia crisis |publisher=TangriNews |date=11 May 2015 |access-date=12 May 2015}} His official written statement reads that "it is important that all political and community leaders work together to restore calm and conduct a transparent investigation to establish what happened."{{cite web |url=http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_119262.htm |title=Statement by the NATO Secretary General on the situation in Kumanovo, former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia |publisher=NATO |date=10 May 2015 |access-date=12 May 2015 |author=Jens Stoltenberg}}
• {{flag|Russia}} - A statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that it supported the conservative government of Nikola Gruevski, stating that "the eruption of anti-government activities in Macedonia over the last days is worrying," later pointing that "the choice of many opposition movements and NGOs, inspired by the West, that favour the logic of the street and the known scenario of a 'colored revolution', is full of dangerous consequences."
• {{flag|Serbia}} - The Serbian President Tomislav Nikolić, sent a letter of condolences for the events in Kumanovo to Macedonia's president, saying he is "deeply distressed at the news about the bloodshed in Kumanovo caused by fanatic terrorist actions."{{cite web |url=http://inserbia.info/today/2015/05/nikolic-sends-telegram-of-condolences-to-ivanov/ |title=Nikolic Sends Telegram Of Condolences To Ivanov |publisher=InSerbia |work=Tanjug |date=10 May 2015 |access-date=12 May 2015 |archive-date=29 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529201244/http://inserbia.info/today/2015/05/nikolic-sends-telegram-of-condolences-to-ivanov/ |url-status=dead }} Also, the Serbian prime minister Aleksandar Vučić sent a telegram to Gruevski, stating "on the behalf of the Serbian government and on my personal behalf, I would like to extend sincere condolences to you and the families of the victims." The chief of the Serbian Military Intelligence Agency claimed that he warned Macedonian colleagues about sudden attacks, but Macedonian intelligence officers believed that the statements were over exaggerated.{{cite news|title=VBA upozoravala na moguće napade u Makedoniji|url=http://www.rts.rs/page/stories/sr/story/125/Dru%C5%A1tvo/1915195/VBA+upozoravala+na+mogu%C4%87e+napade+u+Makedoniji.html|access-date=23 August 2015|agency=RTS|publisher=RTS|language=Serbian}}
• {{flag|Turkey}} - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released hopes that the political tensions which have been ongoing in the Republic of Macedonia for a certain period of time would be resolved through democratic means within the principle of rule of law, and dialogue, and the domestic peace and inter-ethnic balance achieved through the Ohrid Framework Agreement in 2001 will not be damaged.{{cite web|title=11 May 2015, Press Release Regarding the Last Developments in Kumanovo/Macedonia|url=http://www.mfa.gov.tr/no_-149_-11-may-2015_-press-release-regarding-the-last-developments-in-kumanovo_macedonia.en.mfa|website=mfa.gov.tr|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Turkey)|access-date=11 May 2015}}

{{Portal|North Macedonia}}

• Operation Mountain Storm
• Timeline of Kumanovo
• 2015 Macedonian protests

{{Cnote2 Begin|liststyle=upper-alpha}}

{{Cnote2|A|The eight policemen killed were: Boban Ivanovikj (1968, from Stajkovci); Goran Ilijevski (1974, from Gostivar); Goran Stojmenovikj (1970, from Miladinovci); Žarko Kuzmanovski (1981, from Brvenica); Isamedin Osmani (1983, from Studeničani); Ljubiša Arangelovikj (1966, from Skopje); Nenad Serafimovski (1987, from Zubovce); Sašo Samojlovski (1982, from Brvenica).{{cite web | url=http://www.mia.mk/en/Inside/RenderSingleNews/289/132635287 | title=Kumanovo neighbourhood picks up after two days intense fighting | publisher=Macedonian Information Agency | date=11 May 2015 | access-date=22 May 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161020212341/http://www.mia.mk/en/Inside/RenderSingleNews/289/132635287 | archive-date=20 October 2016 | url-status=dead }}}}

{{Cnote2 End}}

{{Reflist|3}}

{{Inter-ethnic clashes in North Macedonia}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Kumanovo clashes}}

Category:Albanian nationalism in North Macedonia

Category:Attacks in Europe in 2015

Category:Terrorist incidents in Europe in 2015

Category:2015 in the Republic of Macedonia

Category:Terrorism in North Macedonia

Category:Kumanovo

Category:Nationalist terrorism in Europe

Category:Albanian separatism

Category:Law enforcement in North Macedonia

Category:Modern history of North Macedonia

Category:Law enforcement operations