5 alleged Daesh jihadists arrested in Kosovo

Kosovo police arrested in two different operations on Saturday five alleged terrorists suspected of being affiliated with ISIS.

"Early Saturday morning at around 1:40 am, police units arrested three people suspected of involvement in criminal acts near Badovc Lake on the Pristina - Gjilan/Gnjilane road", said Baki Kelani, spokesperson of the Kosovo Police.

They were travelling in two different cars, Kelani said, adding that the cars were sized as well as a number of material evidences.

Two more people were arrested later during the day in connection with the arrests at the Badovc Lake, confirmed the head of Pristina Basic Court, Hamdi Ibrahimi.

The arrested people were transferred to the police headquarters in Pristina, where they are being questioned by authorities.

Initial reports indicate that these people, aged between 25 and 35, are all suspected of being affiliated with ISIS. So far it is known that two out of the five are from Kosovo.

Islamic radicalism has become a concerning issue for the security in Kosovo. According to authorities, over 100 young Kosovos have joined the wars in Iraq and Syria in recent years, with a dozen of them being killed.

In a number of operations last year, Kosovo police arrested tens of Islamic extremists suspected for setting up terrorist organisations and recruiting young people for the ISIS.