Kosova’s success over Serbia’s hybrid warfare – defending sovereignty, constitutional order and historical truth

The success of Kosova’s Intelligence Agency in uncovering and arresting of collaborators of BIA represents one of the most significant achievements in country’s internal security

In an increasingly complex context of regional and international security, the role of intelligence services has become pivotal in shaping political and geostrategic developments. Within this framework, the success of Kosova’s Intelligence Agency (AKI) in uncovering and arresting individuals suspected of collaborating with Serbia’s Intelligence Agency (BIA) represents one of the most significant achievements in Kosova’s internal security. This development is not just an institutional triumph, but also a clear signal of Kosova’s maturity as a state and its dedication to safeguarding its sovereignty, constitutional order, and territorial integrity.

It is now evident that the goals of Serbian intelligence operations are not limited to conventional military or tactical objectives. Efforts to tarnish the just war of the Kosova Liberation Army, denial of the Reçak massacre, and infiltration into international organizations and extremist religious circles are part of a hybrid strategy involving disinformation and propaganda. Official Belgrade continues to attempt rewriting historical narratives.

A key element of this propaganda is the involvement of the Serbian Orthodox Church, which has historically functioned not only as a religious institution but also as a tool of Serbia’s political and strategic influence. It is now indisputable that the Orthodox Church, in quiet coordination with Serbian security circles and with Kremlin support, has acted as a channel for spreading anti-Kosova narratives.

The arrest of five individuals, both Albanian and Serbian, suspected of collaborating with the BIA is one of the clearest indicators of the successful offensive by Kosova’s security institutions against illegal Serbian intelligence networks. One of the suspects has already confessed, confirming the extent of infiltration and the real threat posed by these networks.

One of the greatest achievements of Kosova’s security institutions in recent years has been the significant improvement of the situation in the four northern municipalities – North Mitrovica, Zveçan, Leposaviq, and Zubin Potok. Known for the presence of criminal, terrorist, and pro-Russian groups, the north has been transformed into a more stable area, less exposed to Serbia’s destructive influence. Concrete steps have been taken to remove barricades, designate “Civil Defense” and the “Northern Brigade” as terrorist organizations, and arrest suspects involved in criminal and terrorist activities. The situation after the terrorist attack in Banjska on September 24, 2023, was successfully managed. Other planned attacks on critical infrastructure, such as the Ibër-Lepenc water supply channel, were also prevented.

The fight against criminal groups in the north has been another key area where AKI has played a crucial role. Drug labs have been dismantled, illegal routes closed, and border monitoring intensified, halting the trafficking of weapons and narcotics. These actions have disrupted the ties between organized crime and political or intelligence actors from Serbia, striking at their most vulnerable points: logistics and financing networks.

The reestablishment of the rule of law has also had a positive impact on the economic and institutional dimensions. Steps have been taken toward the formalization of the economy in the north and guaranteeing freedom of movement for citizens of all communities. The removal of criminal groups and illegal Serbian structures has created space for businesses and institutions to operate, effectively extending state sovereignty in this part of the country. Incident and attack rates in the north have also gradually declined, especially since 2024. This improvement is closely linked to the institutions’ ability to identify, halt, and prevent the activities of extremist and criminal groups operating under the influence or directives of Belgrade.

Another significant development is the shifting political landscape in the north. In the most recent parliamentary elections, for the first time, more than 20 percent of Serbian voters did not support Serb List,” Belgrade’s political instrument in Kosova. This reflects a visible fracture in Serbia’s political dominance among the Serbian community and a rise in political pluralism. The lack of control by this party over the 10 reserved seats in Kosova’s Assembly carries deep strategic and symbolic consequences, depriving Serbia of a mechanism to influence Kosova’s internal political processes.

Despite major improvements in recent years, Serbia and its strategic ally Russia remain high-level threats to Kosova. These threats manifest through hybrid actions such as cyberattacks, mass disinformation, anti-Kosova statehood propaganda, and regional destabilization attempts via criminal and terrorist groups. Security institutions have intensified cooperation with international partners, including the European Union, NATO, and relevant agencies. AKI, in particular, has demonstrated advanced analytical, operational, and technological capabilities to counter complex threats.

Progress has also been made in combating religious extremism. Although the threat level from terrorist attacks remains low, law enforcement agencies remain vigilant against growing radicalization trends through online platforms, prisons, the diaspora, and foreign organizations with destabilizing agendas. Thanks to this commitment, Kosova has maintained a low level of religiously motivated terrorist threats, with no attacks recorded to date.

Recent operations leading to the arrest of BIA collaborators and others aiding unconstitutional activities through financing or logistical support are proof that Kosova is acting with professionalism and determination. Reports have also emerged of former members of illegal structures now acting as BIA agents.

Beyond direct threats, Kosova also faces sophisticated psychological warfare operations aimed at inciting panic, demoralizing citizens, and eroding trust in state institutions. These efforts have grown more sophisticated through social media, aligned media outlets, and the spread of false narratives on portals controlled by propaganda centers in Belgrade and Moscow.

National security education and proper public information are critical links supporting the success of AKI and other institutions. Many successful operations in recent years have resulted from citizen cooperation – early reporting, timely information, and assistance in the field. National security is no longer a concept tied only to weapons, borders, or police forces. It is a comprehensive issue requiring interinstitutional cooperation, transparency, and the involvement of all layers of society. In this regard, Kosova has shown it is ready to face the most complex challenges of our time, acting with maturity and professionalism.

The arrest of BIA collaborators is just the tip of the iceberg in a broad and ongoing effort to safeguard national security. Through interinstitutional coordination, international cooperation, and targeted operations, Kosova is strengthening its foundations as a stable and resilient state in the face of both internal and external threats.

As Serbia continues trying to maintain its influence through new forms of interference, including disinformation, psychological operations, and cyber threats, Kosova has shown it is more prepared than ever to meet these challenges. The stabilization of the north, the dismantling of illegal structures, and the neutralization of hybrid threats are a testament to the maturity and professionalism of its security institutions. In this context, growing public trust and the restoration of constitutional order are the strongest foundations for ensuring a secure and sustainable future for the Republic of Kosova. /The Balkan Report/