Who Are the Serbian “Red Berets” Veterans in Pioneer Park in Belgrade? Kosovo War Connections Explained

 

 In recent days, Pioneer Park in Belgrade in Serbia has become the center of attention due to the presence of dozens of men in military uniforms, including former members of the now-disbanded Special Operations Unit. These individuals set up tents in the park, raising concerns among students and the wider public.

One of the uniformed men reportedly attacked students on the other side of the fence using a baton, escalating tensions in the area.

The Identity of the "Red Berets" Veterans

Leading the group of veterans who arrived among the protesting students is Goran Radosavljević Guri, a retired police colonel. Radosavljević was the last commander of the Special Police Units and the first commander of the Gendarmerie. His name has been associated with the 1999 Reçak operation in Kosovo, as well as the murder of the Bytyqi brothers—American citizens and former members of the Kosovo Liberation Army (UÇK). Since 2010, he has been a member of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s party.

The Presence of Military Tents and Red Berets

Images circulating on social media show military-style tents and men wearing military uniforms with red berets camping in Pioneer Park. This location has been a gathering point for students protesting against faculty blockades.

Pro-government media have reported that the veterans arrived in support of "students who want to study." However, their presence and actions have sparked controversy, as critics question their true intentions and whether their involvement may lead to further confrontations.

The situation in Pioneer Park remains tense, with concerns growing over the potential for further clashes between protesters and the uniformed veterans.