From the Balkans with Guns

Al JazeeraEN 1 min read 100% complete February 15, 2026 at 12:30 PM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

A surge in gun violence in Sweden, now the highest in Western Europe, is being fueled by illicit weapons originating from the Balkans. The People & Power report, published on February 15, 2026, traces the path of these arms from factories and black markets in the former Yugoslavia to the streets of Stockholm and other parts of Europe. These weapons are linked to gang wars and other violent crimes across the continent. The investigation exposes a vast criminal network that authorities are struggling to control, highlighting the human cost of the illegal arms trade. The report connects weapons from the Balkans to deadly events, including a mass shooting in Montenegro.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Yugoslavia 40% Stockholm 50% Europe ×260% Montenegro 70% Sweden ×280% Western Balkans 90%

Keywords

balkan weapons 100% gun violence 90% illicit arms 80% western balkans 70% gang wars 70% arms trafficking 60% black market 50% sweden 50% criminal network 40%