Kosovo: Police operation in northern Kosovo May 28

Event

Kosovo's special police units have launched a security operation in northern Kosovo municipalities - populated mainly by Serbs - as of Tuesday, May 27, to target organised crime cells. At least 23 people were arrested, including Serbian police officers, accused of smuggling goods into Kosovo, which prompted the Serbian government to order its security forces to be on full alert. According to local witnesses, emergency sirens sounded in Mitrovica and people gathered in the town's main square with no reports of major incident.

Additional security operations are likely in northern Kosovo in the coming days, as well as an increased security presence, amid heightened regional tensions. Violent clashes cannot be ruled out.

Context

Serbian-Kosovar relations remain tense a decade after the country declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Kosovo maintains a large Serbian minority that largely supports reintegration with Serbia.

Advice

Individuals in Kosovo are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.