Ilaz Kodra (3 May 1966 – 30 April 1999) was one of the founders and early commanders of Kosovo Liberation Army, who died during the Battle of Shtuticë, he is regarded as one of the most prominent leaders of the KLA and the "right hand of Adem Jashari".[1][2]
Ilaz Kodra | |
|---|---|
 Statue of Ilaz Kodra in Drenas | |
| Born | 3 May 1966 Prekaz i Epërm, Skënderaj, SFR Yugoslavia (today Kosovo) |
| Died | 30 April 1999 (aged 32) Shtuticë, Drenas, FR Yugoslavia (today Kosovo) |
| Allegiance | |
| Years of service | 1991–1999 |
| Rank | Commander |
| Unit | Brigada 114, “Fehmi Lladrovci” |
| Battles / wars | Insurgency in Kosovo (1995–98) |
| Awards | Hero of Kosovo (posthumously) |
Early life
editIlaz Kodra was born on May 3, 1966, in Prekaz i Epërm, Kosovo. He completed his primary education in his hometown, followed by eight years of schooling and secondary education in Skënderaj. After high school, he enrolled in the Higher Commercial School in Pejë and fulfilled his mandatory military service in the Yugoslav People's Army in Slovenia.[3]
Kodra was deeply influenced by the patriotic and revolutionary spirit that permeated the youth of Prekaz, particularly following the resistance of Tahir and Nebih Meha on May 13, 1981, against Yugoslav police forces. This event had a profound impact on Kodra, who, like the Jashari brothers, Adem and Hamëz, saw the need for armed resistance against the occupying forces,[3] especially as Yugoslavia began to disintegrate during the wars in Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia.
Involvement in the Kosovo Liberation Army
editFounding the KLA and First Actions
editIn collaboration with like-minded individuals, including the Jashari Brothers, several Members of the Selimi and Lushtaku Families, Kodra helped form the first nucleus of what would later become the Kosovo Liberation Army, initially known as the Army of Kosovo. In 1991, Kodra, along with his comrades, crossed into Albania to undergo military training, facilitated with the knowledge and support of Albanian President Ramiz Alia. Amongst the most known members of the group where Adem Jashari, Hamëz Jashari, Zahir Pajaziti and Sali Çekaj.[4]
Kodra played a crucial role in the early armed actions of the KLA. On May 22, 1993, Kodra, along with Sami Lushtaku, Besim Rama, and others, launched a successful ambush against Serbian police forces near Drenas. The attack killed five Serbian officers and injured several others, signaling the start of armed resistance in the region. This act of defiance inspired the local population, fueling the belief that Kosovo's liberation was possible.[5][6]
By October 1996, the Serbian occupation authorities had initiated legal proceedings against Kodra, Adem Jashari, and 13 of their fellow fighters ( including Hashim Thaqi and Rexhep Selimi ). They were charged with forming a "terrorist group" and accused of stockpiling weapons, conducting military training, and preparing for attacks against Serbian forces. The indictment detailed their training in Albania and the group's efforts to arm and mobilize for guerrilla warfare in Kosovo, specifically in the neighboring regions of Drenica, Mitrovicë and Peja.[1]
During the War
editIn the aftermath of the Massacre in Prekaz in March 1998, where Adem Jashari and nearly the whole of the Jashari family were killed, Kodra continued to fight. Alongside figures like Fehmi Lladrovci and Abedin Rexha, Kodra was instrumental in expanding KLA operations across Kosovo.[7]
As part of the leadership team in Drenica, Kodra worked alongside notable figures such as Sami Lushtaku, Hashim Thaçi, Mujë Krasniqi, Sylejman and Rexhep Selimi. Together, they helped organize, structure, and expand the resistance movement across key regions like Dukagjin, Anadrin, Nerodimë, Shalë, and Llap. Their collective efforts resulted in a well-coordinated resistance that played a vital role in the KLA's strategic victories.
Kodra's military acumen was particularly evident in the rugged terrain of the Qyqavica mountains and throughout Central Drenica.[7] His leadership extended beyond planning; he was actively involved in combat operations, demonstrating a hands-on approach to warfare. He was instrumental in training and mobilizing troops, including volunteers from local communities and members of his own family, such as Samiu, Hasani, Nysreti, and others. His brigade became a symbol of resilience, fighting against overwhelming odds in the face of Serbian aggression.[1]
One of the most defining moments of Kodra's military career came after the death of Fehmi Lladrovci and Xhevë Krasniqi-Lladrovci on September 22, 1998. Kodra was appointed the commander of the 114th Brigade, which was subsequently named "Fehmi Lladrovci" in honor of its former leader. His brigade operated extensively across the whole Drenica Operational Zone, from Qyqavica mountains to villages and cities like Prekaz i Epërm and Skënderaj.[7]
In early 1999, the Serbian military launched a series of major offensives throughout Kosovo, attempting to crush the remaining pockets of KLA resistance. One of these offensives targeted the Drenica region, where Ilaz Kodra was positioned with his men. Serbian forces intensified their brutal crackdown on the local Albanian population, with heavy artillery and airstrikes to overwhelm the KLA fighters and their civilian supporters.[8][9][10][11][12]
Death
editOn April 30, 1999, while defending civilians in the village of Shtuticë, Ilaz Kodra fell in battle. His comrade, Zenun Kodra, recalled the fierce fight against Serbian forces that morning. His death occurred while he was defending his position against a Serbian assault, and it marked a significant loss for the KLA.[1][13]
Legacy
editThe loss of Kodra, along with many other KLA commanders and fighters in the late stages of the war, left an indelible mark on the people of Kosovo, who continue to honor his memory as a national hero.[1] Ilaz Kodra is remembered as a key figure in the fight for Kosovo's liberation. His close relationship with Adem Jashari[2] and participation in crucial battles made him one of the most important commanders of the Kosovo Liberation Army. On the 17th anniversary of his death, the President of Kosovo and his former comrade, Hashim Thaqi, commemorated Ilaz Kodra with the title Hero of Kosovo.[14] He was also commemorated by the current President of Kosovo Vjosa Osmani and the current Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti.[15][16] The sports palace in Skenderaj was named after him.
References
edit- ^ a b c d e "Ilaz Ismajl Kodra (3.5.1966 – 30.4.1999)". Radio Kosova e Lirë (in Albanian). Retrieved 6 September 2024.
- ^ a b ""Inspiration für die Armee heute" – An den Helden Ilaz Kodra wird erinnert". Kohavision (in German). 2 May 2023. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
- ^ a b "18 vjet nga rënia e komandantit të UÇK-së". RTV21 (in Albanian). 30 April 2020. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
- ^ "Përgatitja dhe stërvitja e luftëtarëve të UÇK-së". sotal (in Albanian). 18 February 2020. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
- ^ Vaknin, Sam (2004-04-08). Terrorists and Freedom Fighters. Narcissus Publications.
Contrary to typically shallow information in the media, the KLA has been known to have operated in Kosovo as early as the attack on policemen in Glogovac in May 1993.
- ^ Mijajlovic, Mihajlo S.; Anicic, Djordje S. (2022-01-28). Shooting Down the Stealth Fighter: Eyewitness Accounts from Those Who Were There. Air World. ISBN 978-1-5267-8043-0.
Some journalists claim that a May 1993 attack in Glogovac that left five Serbian policemen dead and two wounded was the first attack carried out by the KLA.
- ^ a b c "Fehmi Muhamet Lladrovci (15.5.1956- 22.9.1998)" (in Albanian). Retrieved 6 September 2024.
- ^ Bieber, Florian; Daskalovski, Zidas (1 April 2003). Understanding the War in Kosovo. Taylor & Francis. pp. 126, 148. ISBN 9780203500736 – via Google Books.
- ^ Thomas 2003, pp. 214–217.
- ^ Gibbs, David N. (27 October 2017). First Do No Harm: Humanitarian Intervention and the Destruction of Yugoslavia. Vanderbilt University Press. ISBN 9780826516459 – via Google Books.
- ^ Totten, Samuel; Bartrop, Paul Robert (27 October 2017). Dictionary of Genocide: M-Z. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 319. ISBN 9780313329678 – via Google Books.
- ^ Gallagher, Tom (27 October 2017). The Balkans in the New Millennium: In the Shadow of War and Peace. Routledge. ISBN 9780415349406 – via Google Books.
- ^ "Komandant Ilaz Kodra-ikonë e trimërisë shqiptareë". Bota Sot (in Albanian). 23 April 2019. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
- ^ "Ilaz Kodra fought for the freedom of Kosovo, now we have joined forces to further strengthen our country". 29 April 2016. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
- ^ "President Osmani commemorated the hero Ilaz Kodra on the 25th anniversary of his fall". 30 April 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
- ^ "In a solemn session of the Assembly of Kosovo, Prime Minister Kurti commemorated Commander Ilaz Kodra and the 315 martyrs and martyrs of Drenica on the 25th anniversary of the fall". 2 May 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024.