Kathmandu— Authorities in Kosovo have discovered the remains of at least 23 people in three suspected mass graves, believed to be victims of ethnic conflicts during the war that spanned from 1998 to 1999. The discovery is part of a long-term effort to find those who disappeared during the conflict between Serbian forces and Albanian independence seekers. Forensic teams began excavations two weeks ago in the Zubin Potok area, focusing on locating missing ethnic Albanians, and have now recovered skeletal remains undergoing further examination. Three local men have been arrested and are under investigation for war crimes.

Decades-Long Search for Missing Persons

Approximately 13,000 people were killed and around 4,000 went missing during the conflict between ethnic Albanian rebels and Serbian forces. For decades following the war, Kosovo officials have been working to uncover mass graves, revealing thousands of victims. However, roughly 1,600 individuals remain unaccounted for, prompting continued investigations and excavations.

Recent Excavations and Findings

Excavations began in the Zubin Potok area in northern Kosovo two weeks ago, specifically targeting the search for ethnic Albanian victims who disappeared during the conflict. Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated that the remains likely belong to 23 Albanians who were abducted from Mitrovica and executed in the spring of 1999. A joint statement released on Wednesday by prosecutors, police officials, and forensic investigators confirmed the discovery of skeletal remains suspected to be those of at least 23 individuals.

Ongoing Investigation and Arrests

All recovered remains have been sent for DNA testing, a process that authorities warn could take several months to complete. In connection with the case, police have arrested three local men who are being investigated on suspicion of war crimes against the civilian population. Prosecutors are leading the investigation and will pursue full identification of the remains once forensic examinations and procedures are finalized.

Full identification of the recovered remains is pending completion of DNA testing and relevant forensic procedures, which officials estimate could take months.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.