On May 3, 2001, the NLA launched a three-pronged attack on the villages of Vaksince, Slupčane, and Orizare in the Kumanovo region,[2] which instigated an Immediate response by the Macedonian Army.

The operation began with Macedonian security forces engaging in demining activities in the fields, followed by an assault on the villages of Slupčane, Ljubodrag, Lopate, and Orizare.

[5] Later that evening the two ministries reaffirmed their call for residents in villages including Lojane, Matejce, Slupcane, Otlja, Orizare, and Vaskince to promptly evacuate their homes.

[9] On May 18, tensions flared as the Macedonian Army broke an unofficial ceasefire, directing artillery fire toward rebel positions near the Kosovo border.

[12][13] Blagoja Markovski, the Macedonian Defence Ministry spokesman, added that "fierce fighting" and "terrorist attacks" continued in Slupčane, Orizare, and Otlja.

[18] On June 11, Macedonian state radio reported that the army had been ordered to suspend its military operations in the Kumanovo-Lipkovo region, effective at noon that day.