SUMMARY

The exact number of citizens from Kosovo who have fought or are fighting in Syria and Iraq for the Islamic State and the Al-Nusra front is unknown; the number is likely to be higher than 200 persons. More than 20 persons may have been killed.

The importance of Islam has grown in Kosovo since the end of war in 1999, and according to Kosovar Center for Security Studies, the radical takfiri version of Islam has been essential for the recruitment of fighters from Kosovo. The problematic economic situation in the country and other individual circumstances have also contributed to the recruitment. Kosovo’s authorities have taken measures to fight radical Islam, and police operations against Islamic extremists have taken place. Since 2014 more than 40 persons have been arrested on suspicion that they belonged to extremist and terrorist organizations. In spring 2015, around 40 persons were charged with Islamist terrorism, planning to take up arms with the Islamic State or for recruiting fighters in Kosovo.