29 May 2023 | 09:54 PM UTC
Kosovo, Serbia: Heightened tensions likely to persist into early June after clashes with ethnic Serb protesters wound 25 NATO peacekeepers in Zvecan May 29 /update 1
Heightened tensions between Kosovo and Serbia likely to persist after clashes leave 25 NATO peacekeepers wounded in northern Kosovo May 29.
Event
Heightened tensions between Kosovo and Serbia are likely to persist into at least early June after clashes with ethnic Serb protesters left some 25 NATO peacekeepers wounded in northern Kosovo May 29. The skirmishes reportedly came as NATO soldiers were guarding multiple town halls in the region. The soldiers were deployed to block off and defend the buildings in Zvecan, Leposavic, Zubin Potok, and Mitrovica after ethnic Albanian mayors recently took office in these Serb-majority areas following elections in April that ethnic Serbs largely boycotted. The most significant clashes and the reported injuries to NATO peacekeepers occurred in Zvecan, where security forces fired tear gas and stun grenades at protesters who were attempting to storm the local municipal building. For their part, some ethnic Serb protesters hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails at NATO troops before security forces forcibly dispersed them with batons. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that 52 Serbs were wounded in the violence; Vucic has also reportedly increased the army's combat-readiness status to the highest level amid the increased tensions.
Further protests and accompanying clashes between ethnic Serbs and security forces are likely in northern Kosovo over the coming days. Increased security, roadblocks, and consequent transport disruptions are likely in areas subject to protest activity. Travel through border crossings between Kosovo and Serbia may be suspended or otherwise disrupted on short notice.
Advice
Exercise heightened vigilance if operating in northern Kosovo. Avoid all protest activity as well as border crossings and concentrations of security forces where possible; consider taking alternative routes to circumvent areas impacted by unrest. Prepare for potential cross-border travel disruptions if traveling or routing freight through the Kosovo-Serbia border. Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
