The search for Alija Balijagić, a double murderer from Montenegro, has persisted for 17 days. Recent reports suggest he has returned to Montenegro and was spotted in a remote village, but officials from the army and police were unable to apprehend him. The Cenogor police confirmed that Balijagić crossed Serbia and Madjuti, but neither the Serbian police nor the gendarmerie could catch him, which is attributed to several factors.

As criminologist Dobrivoje Radovanović explained to Telegraf.rs, the terrain itself is contributing to Balijagić’s ability to hide. Both Serbian and Montenegrin sides feature difficult-to-navigate landscapes, which provide ample cover for Balijagić.

“In such terrain, it’s easy to find a spot to conceal oneself. There are no aircraft or drone sensors. If he frequently changes locations, it becomes even harder to locate him. The geography is quite challenging, making it understandable why he’s difficult to find, especially since he knows the area well,” said Radovanović.

He added that the cooler weather could complicate the hunt, making conditions tougher for both evasion and search efforts.

– He will eventually “fall” when he runs out of food. If he has to come into a village but is rejected or reported by locals out of fear, his situation will worsen. With winter approaching, searching will become easier. If snow falls, it could reveal traces of where he has been, aiding in the search. This all hinges on how many people are engaged in the hunt. A single patrol won’t suffice; a larger team is essential,” the criminologist noted.

After extensive searches in the mountain villages above Brodareva, which present challenging terrain close to Montenegro, reports emerged of Balijagić being spotted in a remote village. The army and police were already on alert.

He was seen behind homes in Obarda, near a forest at the edge of the settlement. A barking dog drew the attention of a woman who spotted Balijagić; he quickly fled into the woods and disappeared behind the hills. This morning, army surveillance cameras confirmed Balijagić’s movement behind houses in Despotovići.

The Montenegrin army reviewed footage from the surveillance cameras in Obarda. Locals expressed little surprise that Balijagić would seek refuge in their villages, considering his previous history of evasion before his eventual arrest in Priboj.

It remains possible that Balijagić might cross the border at some point, navigating through challenging terrain.

(Telegraf.rs)