MUP after major operation in Subotica, Sombor and Kikinda: 371 migrants, weapons found

Photo: MUP

Members of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) found 371 irregular migrants during today's operation aimed at suppressing illegal migration in the area of Subotica, Sombor and Kikinda, in northern Serbia.

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These migrants are being transported to reception centers.

Also, three automatic rifles, one semi-automatic rifle, a pistol, two generators, as well as 25 passports and 12 identity cards were seized during the operation.

In the territory of the Subotica Police Department, one irregular migrant was detained for a violation of the Law on Foreigners, while in the territory of the Sombor Police Department, four Serbian citizens have had misdemeanor proceedings initiated against them on suspicion of committing the offense of assisting a foreign citizen in staying in Serbia illegally.

Assistant Interior Minister Dragan Vasiljevic says most of these migrants will be taken to reception centers.

"Several pieces of firearms were found, more precisely, four rifles in one location. The investigation of the crime scene and criminal-technical processing of the scene is ongoing. We will see if that weapons belong to any of the migrants we found there," said Vasiljevic.

He added that for the first time in this operation, a number of so called migrant "scouts" were found in treetops, and that the police are adjusting their activities to those of the migrants.

"I can tell all citizens that they can remain as calm as possible and will be safe in all areas of the Republic of Serbia," Vasiljevic said. He also pointed out that starting tomorrow, a number of members of the Gendarmerie will be patrolling the Subotica area, in northern Serbia.

"Our goal is for migrants to be where they belong - in reception centers, for those who are noving to have legal documentats, and to reduce the number of conflicts between migrants themselves to a minimum," Vasiljevic said, stressing that so far these clashes in the past months did not endanger the local population, but that the police will take all measures and operations to completely cancel such occurrences.

The operation was also attended by Minister of Internal Affairs Bratislav Gasic who stressed that such moves are planned in detail, as well as that the best trained members of MUP's elite units take part in them.

"The Republic of Serbia is a country of humane and good people. And that's how we treat everyone who needs help. But the state will not allow anyone to abuse that hospitality and endanger the safety of our citizens. This operation is another in a series carried out by the Ministry of Internal Affairs with the aim of suppressing illegal migration, and especially suppressing their internal clashes and criminal activities. Due to inaccessible terrain, such operations are planned in detail and the best trained members of the ministry's elite units participate in them," said Minister Gasic.

Minister Gasic also stated that the MUP is actively monitoring events and that its officers are ready to respond adequately at any time.

"We will protect all citizens of Serbia and we will not allow anyone to threaten their safety and the safety of their property," added Minister Gasic.

(Telegraf.rs)