Kosovo, Serbia: Sporadic protests likely in reaction to political developments in Kosovo through late June /update 3

Event

Further protests are likely in predominantly ethnic Serb settlements in north Kosovo and along the Kosovo-Serbia border through late June as tensions persist in northern Kosovo between local residents and central government authorities.

Most recently, Serbian truck drivers blockaded roads in Serbia leading to the Brnjak, Jarinje, and Merdare border crossing points with Kosovo June 15-20 after Pristina implemented tougher border restrictions for cross-border traffic from Serbia on June 15.

Large protests and increased security measures have persisted in urban centers across the region in recent days as Kosovar security forces have continued to conduct arrests of individuals suspected of orchestrating violent protests against Kosovo Force (KFOR) peacekeepers in late May. Violence broke out again in North Mitrovica on June 13 after Kosovar police apprehended an ethnic Serb suspect. Related unrest in Mitrovica left three policemen wounded; security forces also blocked a bridge linking the northern and southern sectors of the city. Additional protests are most likely in Zvecan, Leposavic, Zubin Potok, and Mitrovica.

Impromptu protests and episodic violence in northern Kosovo are likely to continue as tensions persist. Further security operations by local and national law enforcement, as well as related protests led by ethnic Serbs, are likely. Increased security, roadblocks, and consequent transport disruptions are likely in areas subject to protest activity. Partial border blockades will likely prompt traffic disruptions and large police response. Travel through border crossings between Kosovo and Serbia may be suspended or otherwise disrupted at short notice.

Context

Tensions between Kosovo and Serbia have increased in recent weeks following political turmoil in northern Kosovo. Tensions spiked May 29 amid ethnic Serb protests in Zvecan, Leposavic, Zubin Potok, and Mitrovica denouncing the government after authorities forcibly installed ethnic Albanian mayors in several Serb-majority municipalities following local elections widely boycotted by ethnic Serbs; violent protests in Zvecan resulted in injuries to at least 34 NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) peacekeepers and dozens of protesters. Ongoing civil unrest and related violence between ethnic Serbs and police in Kosovo, and the arrest of ethnic Serbs accused of orchestrating the violence will continue to increase tensions over the short term.

Kosovar officials on June 13 proposed a plan to defuse tensions in northern Kosovo; however, increased deployment of security forces will likely remain in northern areas while police continue to arrest suspects and respond to impromptu protests.

Advice

Exercise heightened vigilance if operating on the Kosovo-Serbia border. 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. If operating in Belgrade, monitor local media for potential protest updates and confirm consular appointments.