Battle of Nikuštak

Shortly before the battle, NLA rebels were evacuated to Nikuštak, after the Battle of Aračinovo.[5]

On 27 July, the NLA launched attack on Macedonian army positions at Umin Dol, located just east of Nikuštak. The NLA reportedly had used mortars, snipers and automatic fire upon the Macedonian forces.[6][7] A few hours later, the Macedonian Army initiated an offensive and employed various weapons, including artillery and T-55 tanks, to combat the NLA in Nikuštak.[1][5]

On 28 June, KFOR soldiers apprehended 90 suspected NLA rebels in Kosovo's border region with Macedonia, who had arrived from Nikuštak. This action was taken following NATO's decision to deploy 3000 soldiers to Macedonia with the aim of resolving the conflict and restoring peace.[8]

Fighting continued, and on 2 July, as part of the offensive, Macedonian forces fired 80 rockets at NLA positions within the village.[9]

On 4 July, there were clashes near the village,[10][11] where the rebels were reportedly regrouping.

On 5 July, a nationwide ceasefire deal was reached between the NLA and the Macedonian government under the auspice of NATO.[3] As a result, the NLA ultimately retained control over Nikuštak.[4][12]

As a result of the Macedonian shelling and heavy fighting, the village was heavily damaged, while the Nikuštak mosque was destroyed.[9] The rebels in Nikuštak were disarmed by NATO in late August after a peace deal was reached.[13] On December, the Macedonian police restored their presence in the village with OSCE's assistance.[14]