Kosovo, Serbia: Sporadic protests possible in reaction to political developments in Kosovo through early July /update 4

Event

Further protests are possible in predominantly ethnic Serb settlements in northern Kosovo and along the Kosovo-Serbia border through early July; tensions persist in northern Kosovo between local residents and central government authorities.

There have been no significant protests in recent days. The last noteworthy action occurred June 15-20 when Serbian truck drivers blockaded roads in Serbia leading to the Brnjak, Jarinje, and Merdare border crossing points with Kosovo. This was in response to a decision by Pristina to implement stricter border restrictions on June 15.

Increased security, roadblocks, and 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 since mid-May 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 installed ethnic Albanian mayors in several Serb-majority municipalities following local elections widely boycotted by ethnic Serbs; violent protests in Zvecan injured at least 34 NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) peacekeepers and dozens of protesters. 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. Large protests and increased security measures have persisted in urban centers across the region as Kosovar security forces have continued to conduct arrests of individuals suspected of orchestrating violent protests against KFOR peacekeepers in late May. Kosovar officials proposed June 13 a plan to defuse tensions in northern Kosovo; however, no binding agreements have been made as yet.

Advice

Exercise heightened vigilance if operating near the Kosovo-Serbia border or 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.