Kosovo, Serbia: Kosovar officials close Brnjak and Jarinje border crossing points with Serbia Dec. 10

Event

Heightened tensions are likely between Kosovo and Serbia over the coming days after Kosovar authorities closed the Brnjak and Jarinje border crossings to traffic Dec. 10. Tensions come after ethnic Serbs erected roadblocks on main routes in the northern region of Kosovo in protest to the arrest of a former Kosovar police officer whom officials allege committed acts of terror on offices belonging to the Central Election Commission in northern Kosovo.

Multiple other security-related incidents have been reported in Kosovo in the lead-up to the imposition of the new rules. Air raid sirens reportedly sounded in Mitrovica Dec. 10 amid a large deployment of emergency vehicles. Kosovar authorities have also confirmed that gunfire has occurred in some unspecified locations in northern Kosovo; no casualties were immediately reported.

Increased security is likely in parts of northern Kosovo, especially near the Serbian border, over the short term. Roadblocks and heightened security measures will likely prompt localized transport disruptions.

Advice

Exercise heightened vigilance if operating in northern Kosovo or the Kosovo-Serbia border region. Avoid the Brnjak and Jarinje border crossings, roadblocks, and concentrations of security forces; consider taking alternative routes to circumvent affected areas. Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.