A mass grave with about 250 bodies, thought to be those of ethnic Albanians, was discovered in the Raska area of southern Serbia, not far from Kosovo, reported Radio Television Serbia (RTS) on Monday.

Vladimir Vukcevic, the Serbian War Crimes Prosecutor, revealed the location and said that according to testimonies collected by his office that the 250 people were likely killed in 1999. During that year, NATO forces bombed Serbia on behalf of the ethnic Albanians, eventually establishing its military presence in the Serbian province and placing Kosovo under United Nations administration. This is the sixth mass grave found in Serbia since the year 2000. Kosovo officials reportedly claim to have knowledge of three more grave sites in Serbia, according to RTS.

"It is our obligation to the victims and their families," said Vukcevic. "I remind you that our goal is justice for the victims and that their families are entitled to at least bury their loved ones."

According to the prosecutor, Serbia was demonstrating its " democratic capacity" by investigating crimes, regardless of who the perpetrator and who the victim may be.

Furthermore, he added that "we also think that this is the best way for reconciliation in this region." Vukcevic said his office was seeking to learn the fate of approximately 500 missing Serbs from Kosovo.