Battle of Marec

{{Infobox military conflict | conflict = Battle of Marec | width = | partof = Kosovo War | image = | caption = | date = 18–23 April 1999 | place = Marec Highlands, Kosovo | coordinates = | map_type = | map_relief = | latitude = | longitude = | map_size = | map_marksize = | map_caption = | map_label = | territory = | result = KLA victory

• Makoc massacre begins

| status = | combatants_header = | combatant1 = Kosovo Liberation Army | combatant2 = Federal Republic of Yugoslavia | commander1 = Salih Mustafa
Isa Kastrati †
Rahim Beqiri | commander2 = Unknown | units1 = Llap Operational Area:
Brigade 153
Guerilla BIA
Karadak Operational Area:
Brigade 171
Brigade 172
Brigade 173 | units2 = Unknown | strength1 = | strength2 = | casualties1 = 27 killed | casualties2 = Dozens of soldiers killed

Battle

In April 18, 1999, Serbian forces launched an offensive against the KLA-held Marec Highlands. Taking advantage of the foul weather conditions, the Serbian forces aimed to remove the KLA from the region and encircle their brigades. The Serbian forces attacked from multiple directions, resulting in bloody battles throughout the area. Initially, the Serbian forces clashed with fighters from the KLA's 153rd Brigade in Kukaj, where several Serb soldiers were killed, prompting a temporary retreat. However, Serbian artillery bombarded KLA positions during their retreat. The KLA fighters managed to repel the Serbian forces multiple times during their attempts to capture strategic points. Serbian forces suffered significant losses in personnel and equipment, particularly along the Viti-Gerbesh line. Meanwhile, the KLA had to provide protection and food for the population that had moved from Pristina to the Marec Highlands, which consisted of around 80,000 inhabitants. As a result of their losses, the Serbian command, targeted the civilian population of Makoc, resulting in the massacre of 153 people.