A violent shooting at the Blazuj migrant reception centre near Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, left six men injured on Monday night. According to the Sarajevo Canton police, the victims include one man from Pakistan and five others from Afghanistan. Two of the injured are in life-threatening condition, while three are seriously hurt.
Police say several suspects have been identified and are currently being questioned. The incident has been classified as “attempted murder” by local prosecutors. Witnesses have also been interviewed as part of the investigation.
Sources told BIRN (Balkan Investigative Reporting Network) that members of a criminal group called BWK may have been involved. This group, which includes Afghan nationals, is believed to control several migrant smuggling routes across Bosnia. It became known in 2023 and has since gained power by using more violence to control migrant movements. Reports say the group is also involved in theft, kidnapping, and extortion, especially targeting migrants who border police have pushed back.
The recent shooting is the second violent event at the Blazuj centre within a week. On May 21, there was another clash between unidentified Afghan gangs. That incident led to around 50 bullets being fired, but no one was hurt. Authorities say some of the people involved in the recent shooting had only arrived in Bosnia a few days earlier from other European countries.
The Blazuj reception centre is one of the largest migrant camps in Bosnia. It houses people from different countries who are hoping to cross into the European Union. With increasing pressure at the EU’s external borders, Bosnia has seen a rise in migrant numbers, and with that, more violence.
Officials are deeply concerned about the safety inside migrant centres. Since the beginning of this month, there have been at least five shooting incidents in different parts of the country, including Sarajevo and Bihac. These attacks have raised fears about gang activity and growing tension among migrant groups.
Authorities have promised stronger security at the camps and more police presence to prevent future violence. They are also working with European partners to manage migration routes and improve safety for both migrants and local communities.
The shooting has shocked many in Bosnia and raised urgent questions about how migrant camps are being managed. It also highlights the need for international cooperation to protect migrants and stop criminal groups from taking control of their lives.