Beqir Sadiku

Beqir Sadiku, also known as Komandant Sllupçani, was an Albanian commander and prominent fighter of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), National Liberation Army (NLA). He played a significant role in the Kosovo War, the Insurgency in the Presevo Valley, and the Insurgency in Macedonia (2001). As a commander he participated in numerous battles such as the Battle of Pastrik, the Battle of Slupčane and the Battle of Aračinovo.

Early life
Beqir Sadiku, was born on November 8, 1980, in the village of Slupčane in the Lipkovo Municipality of the Karadaku region. He came from a well-educated family, with his father working as a teacher at the local school. Beqir completed his primary education in his hometown. Despite his family not being wealthy, they were known for their generosity and patriotic traditions passed down through generations.

Kosovo
Upon the declaration of general mobilization by the Kosovo Liberation Army, Beqiri joined the ranks of the KLA. Initially he assigned to the 121st Brigade of the Paštrik Operative Zone, with whom he participated in numerous battles such as the Battle of Paštrik, demonstrating bravery and heroism. Beqiri remained at the frontlines until the liberation of Kosovo in June 1999.

Preševo
Following the liberation of Kosovo and the establishment of the Kosovo Protection Corps, Beqir Sadiku, along with other experienced fighters, joined the ranks of these forces. Like many others, Beqir initially became involved in the struggle of the Liberation Army for Presevo, Medvegja, and Bujanoc (LAPMB). During the Preševo Valley conflict, he held a prominent position within the 113th Brigade "Ibrahim Fejzullahu" in the Upper Zone of Presevo, where he served as the commander of the artillery squad. Among his comrades, Beqir was known by the nickname "Commander Sllupçani".

Macedonia
Following the decision to demobilize after the signing of the Končulj Agreement in May 2001, Beqir Sadiku returned to his homeland, now representing the emblem of the National Liberation Army. He formed a combat platoon and organized the defense of his village against the Macedonian forces. The Battle of Slupčane and Orizare erupted on 3 May 2001, where after a month of heavy fighting, he would manage to hold on to the villages of Slupčane and Orizare, when Macedonian forces held all of their operations in the Karadak region. After the withdrawal of Macedonian troops in the Lipkovo-Karadak region, Beqiri, together with a significant portion of the 113th Brigade, captured Aračinovo on June 12, 2001. This capture marked a turning point in the Macedonian conflict, leading to the heaviest battle and crisis throughout the entire conflict. On June 22, 2001, Macedonian forces launched a massive attack against the NLA. During the battle, Beqiri sustained injuries and later passed away in the hospital on the same day. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the NLA managed to defend the village and repel the Macedonian forces.