KOSOVO: ETHNIC ALBANIANS FLEE VILLAGES IN DRENICA AREA

Описание: (23 Sep 1998) Natural Sound

Despite growing international pressure, Serb forces are continuing to shell what is thought to be the last stronghold of the separatist Kosovo Liberation Army.

Ten to fifteen thousand ethnic Albanian residents, from many villages in the Drenica area were forced to flee into nearby forests to escape the Serb artillery assault.

Since fighting began seven months ago, Serb-led troops have defeated the K-L-A in most of the region, and their operations have claimed hundreds of lives.

Dubovac, on the slopes of Mount Cicevica, just 40 kilometres north west of Pristina, used to be a thriving farming village.

Now it is a deserted collection of houses and farm buildings.

The fierce Serb artillery attack on Tuesday drove away the few remaining people, sending them fleeing for safety into the surrounding hills and forests.

Fighting took place around Mount Cicevica, off the main road between Pristina and Kosovoska Mitrovica.

The region of Drenica is thought by Serb security forces to be the last remaining stronghold of the Kosovo Liberation Army (K-L-A).

The secessionists have been fighting for independence for their region for the last seven months.

Although they have had a number of victories, the K-L-A are no match for the Serb firepower and are vastly outnumbered.

Serb police forces say they surrounded Drenica, the K-L-A stronghold, and attacked it from all sides in an effort to crush hundreds of rebels trapped there by Serb blockades and patrols.

They sealed off roads to Mount Cicevica in an attempt to round up groups of separatist fighters hiding on the mountain.

Ethnic Albanian residents from at least 12 other villages were forced to flee into nearby forests, which are now sanctuaries for around 10-thousand to 15-thousand civilians who are effectively trapped in the region.

The Serb offensive continues despite threats of NATO intervention.

Aid agencies are predicting a humanitarian disaster as winter draws nearer and deaths from cold and starvation become increasingly likely.

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