"Hundreds of Albanians taking part in war in Syria"

Source: Tanjug

PRIŠTINA -- A Priština-based Albanian language daily writes that there is suspicion that hundreds of Albanians from Kosovo are taking part in the hostilities in Syria.

A scene from Syria (Beta/AP, file)

So far, six Albanians have been killed in that Middle Eastern country, said Koha Ditore.
"That is obviously the reason why the Kosovo government has prepared a draft law that prohibits joining of armed conflicts outside of Kosovo. The adoption of the law is seen by the government as a highest priority," the daily wrote.

According to the article, which cites a police document, the residents of Kosovo who leave for Syria do so "for financial reasons and are organized." However, those organizing the trips are not mentioned.

The law is expected to punish those leaving to join wars and those who are advocating this activity.

Ten days ago two men from the town of Uroševac were on their way to Syria when they were arrested at the airport in Priština.

Alban Kelmendi and Armir Bytyqi were detained by the order of an EULEX judge on suspicion that they organized and participated in a terrorist group.

The police said that the pair wished to join Al Qaeda, specifically the terrorist organization's branch in Syria, Al Nusra, the newspaper writes.