Explosions in Podujevo and Mitrovica

PRISTINA, 13 March 1999 - On 13 March, at 1306 and 1320 hours, two explosions occurred in Podujevo, one near the police station and the other at the market. This was followed at 1418 hours, with an explosion at the market in Mitrovica. First reports indicate that these callous terrorist attacks resulted in the death of six people; 58 others were injured, eleven of whom are very seriously wounded. Those killed and injured include women and children. These devices, containing a considerable amount of explosives, were targeted at crowded public places, at the busiest time of day, with the clear aim of causing the maximum amount of civilian injuries and deaths.

The local emergency services in both towns responded in a prompt and professional manner. An OSCE KVM medical team in Mitrovica is assisting and another has been offered to help in Pristina.

These explosions come at a particularly sensitive time but this will not detract from the efforts of the OSCE KVM. The OSCE KVM calls on all sides not to resort to actions that will further inflame the situation and bring about the loss of more innocent lives. These acts of terrorism further underline the necessity and urgency for an international agreement to help bring the current conflict to an end, and to prevent a repeat of the tragedies that we have witnessed in Podujevo and Mitrovica today.

The OSCE KVM condemns these indiscriminate and calculated terrorist acts against innocent civilians and extends its sincere condolences to the families of those killed and injured.