Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro: Authorities close Bernjak/Brnjak, Merdare border crossings amid demonstrations at several border crossings as of Sept. 7 /update 1

Activists are staging indefinite protest blockades at several border crossings connecting northern Kosovo to Montenegro and Serbia since Sept. 6. The purpose of the campaign is to demand the withdrawal of Kosovar police from areas of northern Kosovo with Serb populations, as well as the return of institutional control to local leadership. Protest organizers have announced plans to stage blockades at the Kula crossing on the Kosovo-Montenegro border as well as the Bernjak/Brnjak, Jarinje, Koncul/Konculj, and Merdare crossings on the Kosovo-Serbia border. It was not immediately clear how many people would participate in the protests; however, demonstration organizers have said that transportation will be available to bring supporters from numerous Serbian cities - including Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Nis - to the protest sites. Demonstration organizers reportedly intend to maintain the protest blockades until their demands are met. On Sept. 7, Kosovo's Interior Minister announced the closure of the Bernjak/Brnjak and Merdare border crossings until further notice.

Border crossing disruptions will likely affect border stations that are subject to protest activity; disruptions may also affect additional crossing points on the Kosovo-Serbia border. Heightened security and transport disruptions are likely near all demonstration sites. Confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement officers, frustrated motorists, or politically opposed individuals cannot be ruled out; such incidents may escalate to clashes.