Beqir Sadiku (8 November 1980 – 22 June 2001) also known as Commander Sllupçani, was an Albanian commander and prominent fighter of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) and the National Liberation Army (NLA). He played a significant role in the Kosovo War, the Insurgency in the Presevo Valley, and the Insurgency in Macedonia (2001). As a commander he participated in numerous battles such as the Battle of Paštrik, the Battle of Slupčane and the Battle of Aračinovo.[1][2][3]
Beqir Sadiku | |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Commander Sllupçani |
| Born | 8 November 1980 Slupčane, Kumanovo, SR Macedonia, SFR Yugoslavia, (today North Macedonia) |
| Died | 22 June 2001 (aged 20) Aračinovo, near Skopje, Republic of Macedonia, (today North Macedonia) |
| Allegiance | |
| Years of service | 1998–2001 |
| Rank | Commander |
| Unit |
|
| Wars and battles | |
Early life
editBeqir Sadiku, was born on November 8, 1980, in the village of Slupčane in the Lipkovo Municipality of the Karadaku region. He came from a well-educated family, with his father working as a teacher at the local school. Beqir completed his primary education in his hometown. Despite his family not being wealthy, they were known for their generosity and patriotic traditions passed down through generations.[1][3]
Yugoslav wars
editKosovo
editUpon the declaration of general mobilization by the Kosovo Liberation Army, Beqiri joined the ranks of the KLA. Initially he assigned to the 121st Brigade of the Paštrik Operative Zone, with whom he participated in numerous battles such as the Battle of Paštrik, demonstrating bravery and heroism. Beqiri remained at the frontlines until the liberation of Kosovo in June 1999.[2][3]
Preševo
editFollowing the liberation of Kosovo and the establishment of the Kosovo Protection Corps, Beqir Sadiku, along with other experienced fighters, joined the ranks of these forces. Like many others, Beqir initially became involved in the struggle of the Liberation Army for Presevo, Medvegja, and Bujanoc (LAPMB). During the Preševo Valley conflict, he held a prominent position within the 113th Brigade "Ibrahim Fejzullahu" in the Upper Zone of Presevo, where he served as the commander of the artillery squad. Among his comrades, Beqir was known by the nickname "Commander Sllupçani".[2][3]
Macedonia
editFollowing the decision to demobilize after the signing of the Končulj Agreement in May 2001, Beqir Sadiku returned to his homeland, now representing the emblem of the National Liberation Army. He formed a combat platoon and organized the defense of his village against the Macedonian forces. The Battle of Slupčane and Orizare erupted on 3 May 2001, where after a month of heavy fighting, he would manage to hold on to the villages of Slupčane and Orizare, when Macedonian forces held all of their operations in the Karadak region.[1][2][3][4] After the withdrawal of Macedonian troops in the Lipkovo-Karadak region, Beqiri, together with a significant portion of the 113th Brigade, captured Aračinovo on June 12, 2001.[1][3] This capture marked a turning point in the Macedonian conflict, leading to the heaviest battle and crisis throughout the entire conflict.[1][3][5] On June 22, 2001, Macedonian forces launched a massive attack against the NLA. During the battle, Beqiri sustained injuries and later passed away in the hospital on the same day.[1][3] Despite being heavily outnumbered, the NLA managed to defend the village and repel the Macedonian forces.[6][7][8][9]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d e f MK, Lideri2 (2023-05-09). "Foto e papublikuar e dëshmorit Beqir Sadiku dhe Komandant Arushës, e shkrepur nga fotograf i njohur botëror • LIDERI". LIDERI. Retrieved 2023-07-13.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ a b c d A, L. (2018-01-09). "Ky është momenti i fundit kur dëshmori Beqir Sadiku nga Sllupçani përkëdheli vajzën e tij Lorinën". Ky është momenti i fundit kur dëshmori Beqir Sadiku nga Sllupçani përkëdheli vajzën e tij Lorinën (in Albanian). Retrieved 2023-07-13.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Ademi, Minir (2014). Luftëtari i tri emblemave Beqir Sadiku - komandant Sllupçani (in Albanian). Jehona e Karadakut. ISBN 978-9989-142-39-0.
- ^ "Macedonia: Army Suspends Operations In Kumanovo-Lipkovo". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 2008-04-09. Retrieved 2023-07-13.
- ^ Топовите од Арачиново беа свртени кон Скопје Archived 21 March 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Утрински Весник. 16 октомври 2006
- ^ Lamont, C.K. (2016). International Criminal Justice and the Politics of Compliance. Taylor & Francis. p. 93. ISBN 9781317114253.
- ^ Pardew, James W. (2018-01-05). Peacemakers: American Leadership and the End of Genocide in the Balkans. University Press of Kentucky. p. 275. ISBN 978-0-8131-7436-5.
- ^ Phillips, John (2004). Macedonia : warlords and rebels in the Balkans. Internet Archive. New Haven, CT : Yale University Press. p. 125. ISBN 978-0-300-10268-0.
Initially, the Macedonians said they were winning. After two or three days this 'rapid conquest' of Aracinovo has got nowhere. Then they ask us through Trajkovski 'can you please get a ceasefire?' The Government is asking for help.
- ^ "Генерал Тејта: ОНА планираше "виетнамски" напади врз Скопје – DW – 3.02.2014". dw.com (in Macedonian). Retrieved 2023-07-08.
Тејта вели дека неговата команда имала разузнавачки единици и додава дека ОНА успевала да ги одбрани своите позиции во селото и покрај нападите на македонските сили поддржани со хеликоптери и авиони.