The website "Stazama Kosmeta" misinforms by distorting the statement of Minister Sveçla

The Instagram page “Stazama Kosmeta”, which is followed by more than 7.000 users, published a false claim about the alleged closure of schools and hospitals operating in the Serbian system in northern Kosovo.

The Instagram page published a photo of Kosovo's acting Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, on which his alleged statement was written:

"As of today, we have 100% control on the ground over northern Kosovo. We still have to close two parallel structures, schools and hospitals, and with this we will achieve the final victory over the criminal structures from the north."

The publication was presented as Sveçla's reaction to recent developments in northern Kosovo and his visit to the main bridge over the Ibar River in Mitrovica.

The disputed publication has since been deleted.

Analyze

Verification of available Kosovar media reports shows that Sveçla was indeed on the main bridge in Mitrovica on August 10, 2026 and spoke about changing the security arrangements.

However, none of the available reports of his statement contain the claim that "two more parallel structures, schools and hospitals, remain to be closed."

Kosovo portals published his statement from the bridge. Sveçla spoke about the beginning of a process in which responsibility for security on the bridge will gradually be transferred to the Kosovo Police.

"We are all witnesses to the beginning of the process in which responsibility for security on the Mitrovica bridge will be transferred to the Kosovo Police."

He added that this is the result of long-term work by security institutions and that, as the security situation improves, the presence of the Kosovo Police on the bridge will also be reduced.

When speaking about the opening of the bridge, Svečla said that this process should be "good for everyone" and that it should not have a negative impact on anyone.

In no part of his available statement is there any claim about the closure of Serbian schools and hospitals.

His message was focused on the security of the bridge, KFOR, the Kosovo Police and its future opening, and not on the closure of schools and hospitals.

In other words, there is a clear discrepancy between what Svečla actually said and the text that the website "Stazama Kosmeta" published above his photo.

KFOR: Due to the improvement of the security situation, the gradual withdrawal process begins

KFOR announced on August 10 that the gradual transition of its permanent presence from the main bridge in Mitrovica has begun.

According to KFOR, this is part of the process of optimizing its deployment due to the improving security situation. The process will be gradual and coordinated with relevant stakeholders, including the Kosovo Police and EULEX.

KFOR announced that it will maintain a visible presence in the southern and northern parts of Mitrovica, as well as in northern Kosovo, and will continue to contribute to a safe and stable environment for all communities.

Therefore, presenting the event as a "bridge takeover", without additional context, is misleading.

cONcluSiON

The Instagram page 'Stazama Kosmeta' published a photo of Xhelal Sveçla along with a quote claiming that "as of today we have 100% control on the ground over northern Kosovo" and that "we still have two parallel structures left to close, schools and hospitals."

Verification of available sources shows that Sveçla did not make this statement during his speech on August 10, 2026.

Such a claim has not been confirmed by the available evidence.

/The Geopost/