The past few hours have seen a tense situation unfold in the villages around Brodarevo. Border police, the gendarmerie, and special anti-terror units are engaged in an intensive search for Alija Balijagic, a suspect wanted for a double murder in the village of Sokolac near Bijelo Polje. The local community is deeply fearful.

Villagers from Ivezici, where the fugitive Alija was last seen, shared their concerns: “We’re afraid; he could come in the night and harm us. The nearest house is a 30-minute walk, and most homes here are deserted. It’s unsettling.”

Drago Popadic, the mayor of Bijelo Polje, is on-site, acknowledging the fears of the residents and assuring them that the authorities will make every effort to keep them safe. In the event Balijagic is not located overnight, schools in the Brodarevo area are expected to shift temporarily to online classes.

Over recent hours, approximately 80 properties near Brodarevo have been inspected in the ongoing search for Alija Balijagic. The suspect is being pursued on both sides of the border, covering difficult and challenging terrain. Special anti-terror units, gendarmerie, and drones with thermal cameras are involved in the operation.

“We need to be cautious with information. I urge all citizens to remain calm, stay in their homes, and hope the police will soon locate the suspect. This terrain is extremely difficult and filled with numerous abandoned houses,” said Drago Popadic, president of the Prijepolje municipality, speaking to RINA.

Popadic also mentioned that classes in village schools might be moved online until the situation is resolved.

“The residents have a justified reason to be concerned, but there is a significant police presence here. If the suspect is not found tonight, classes will be held online. We will ensure everyone’s safety,” Popadic emphasized.