The battle happened in the Rugova region near Peć where the Yugoslav forces attacked the KLA positions attempting to capture the village of greater Shtapeç.

In earlier wars, Rugova had been a shelter for Albanian military and political figures such as Hasan Prishtina and Haxhi Zeka.

Similarly, during the Kosovo War, Rugova played a major role in sheltering those who were left homeless, and were seeking for a way to get into Montenegro and Albania.

After further fighting the Yugoslav forces would advance in Hajla and would kill KLA fighter Ramush Lajçi.

His last words would be "Be careful" which he told his fellow soldiers which retreated back, as commander Selman Lajçi would die from his injury.