A shocking armed attack occurred this afternoon near Rinas Airport, just outside Tirana, Albania, leaving one man dead and another injured. According to police sources, the victim has been identified as Gilmando Dani, a figure known to law enforcement for his alleged ties to organized crime groups operating in the capital region.
 |
| Portrait of Gilmando Dani, suspected of being killed today at Tirana Airport |
Initial investigations suggest that two or more attackers ambushed Dani’s vehicle before fleeing the scene, possibly heading toward Fushë-Krujë, a town frequently mentioned in previous criminal incidents. The rapid and precise nature of the shooting indicates a well-organized assassination, likely carried out by professional gunmen.
The second man traveling with Dani sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital. His condition remains unknown, and police have not released his identity pending further investigation.
Possible Gang Connection
Early reports indicate that the attack could be part of a continuing feud between rival criminal groups in the Tirana area. Gilmando Dani was previously identified as a close associate of Emiljano Shullazi, a well-known underworld figure currently serving time for organized crime, extortion, and violent offenses.
Authorities suspect that the revenge cycle among different factions has reignited following recent disputes over territory and illegal operations, including drug trafficking and extortion networks.
Police Investigation Underway
Forensic teams quickly arrived at the scene, closing off access roads and collecting ballistic evidence. Dozens of shell casings were found near the vehicle, confirming that the gunmen fired automatic weapons at close range.
Albanian police have launched a nationwide manhunt, setting up roadblocks and searching surrounding areas. The Ministry of Interior has not yet issued an official statement but confirmed that “all leads remain open,” including the possibility of foreign involvement or cross-border connections.
Residents in nearby areas expressed concern about the escalation of violence, particularly so close to a major international hub like Rinas Airport. “We heard a burst of gunfire — it sounded like a war zone,” said one local witness, who asked not to be named.
A Pattern of Violence
This latest attack adds to a growing list of targeted killings in Albania in recent years, often linked to criminal rivalries that span across the Balkans and Western Europe. The use of high-end vehicles, strategic planning, and rapid escape routes has become a common hallmark of such assassinations.
Security experts warn that organized crime groups in Albania remain powerful and deeply connected, making it difficult for authorities to fully dismantle their networks despite ongoing crackdowns.
As investigators work to identify the shooters, questions remain about how Dani’s movements were known and whether the ambush was the result of an internal betrayal within his own circle.
The Albanian State Police are urging anyone with information to come forward as they continue to piece together the events leading up to this deadly attack near Tirana International Airport.