On September 26, 1998, in Abri i Epërme, Serbian criminal forces committed one of the most horrific massacres during the 1998-1999 Kosovo war. On this day, 23 members of the Deliu family were massacred, among them women, children and the elderly (from 6 months to 94 years old).

From September 25, the Deliu family had taken refuge in the mountains to escape the Serbian extermination attacks. A day later (September 26, around 10 am), Serbian infantry had penetrated there. On this occasion, gunshots and people’s screams were heard. All were shot in the head at close range and massacred while trying to flee the attack. The bodies of the executed showed clear evidence of a butchery. Luljeta Deliu, who was two months pregnant, had her stomach completely cut open. Pajazit Deliu was found with his throat cut and part of his brain removed and placed next to him. The six-week-old baby, Diturie Imer Deliu, was found alive, completely covered in blood on the chest of his massacred mother. This baby, who survived the massacre, died on November 19, 1998, as a result of the harsh conditions. Meanwhile, on October 4, a little further away from the massacre site, two massacred victims of this family were found: Antigona Hysen Deliu (14) and Mihane Hysen Deliu (16), who had been raped before being massacred. Even today, this massacre has remained unpunished.

In the photo, a gentleman covers the massacred body of a child. Photograph taken by Wade Goddard.