Violent riots broke out in northern Kosovo – dozens of NATO peacekeepers were injured in battles with militant Serbs. An overview.
The most important things at a glance
The conflict between Serbia and Kosovo is coming to a head. Dozens of NATO peacekeepers were injured in clashes in Serb-inhabited northern Kosovo. What exactly happened? How did the western defense alliance react and what is behind the conflict? An overview of the current situation in the crisis region.
That happened in Kosovo
Numerous soldiers of the NATO-led Kosovo Protection Force KFOR were injured in clashes in northern Kosovo on Monday. Several uniformed men from Italy and Hungary suffered broken bones and burns in attacks by militant Serbs in the village of Zvečan, the KFOR command said on Monday evening in Pristina.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani spoke on Twitter of eleven injured Italians from the KFOR contingent. Three of them suffered serious injuries, but their lives are not in danger.
20 Hungarian KFOR soldiers were also among the injured, the Budapest news portal “hvg.hu” wrote, citing diplomatic circles. The Reuters news agency had previously reported 25 injured soldiers from Italy and Hungary.
On Tuesday there were already reports of around 80 injuries on both sides. In addition, Serbs gathered again in the north of Kosovo for protests in the morning. Demonstrators gathered in front of the municipal offices in Zvečan, Leposavić and Zubin Potok, which are being secured by the NATO-led KFOR, the Kosovan news portal “koha.net” reported, citing its own reporters on site.
This is how NATO reacted
NATO strongly condemned the attacks on KFOR troops. “Such attacks are totally unacceptable. The violence must stop immediately. We call on all sides to refrain from actions that further fuel tensions and to engage in dialogue,” said a spokeswoman for the military alliance. KFOR will take all necessary measures to maintain a secure environment.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell wrote on Twitter: “The EU calls on the authorities of Kosovo and the demonstrators to de-escalate the situation immediately and unconditionally.” He also called for an immediate dialogue.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also condemned the attack. “What is happening here is absolutely unacceptable and irresponsible. We will not tolerate any further attacks on KFOR,” she said on Monday evening, according to a statement.
That’s how the escalation happened
The latest clashes occurred on Monday afternoon when militant Serbs protested against the appointment of new mayors in Zvečan and other municipalities. KFOR soldiers securing the municipal office in Zvečan broke up the protest, which turned violent, local media reported.
They used stun grenades and tear gas. The crowd in turn threw stones, incendiary devices, bottles and other objects at them. Pictures also show how the protesters attacked the soldiers with sticks.
A Serb was injured by gunfire, the hospital in the nearby town of Mitrovica said on Monday. Another 52 Serbs were hospitalized there with injuries, the hospital said.
The approximately 300 KFOR soldiers had previously taken up positions in combat gear in front of the municipal office in Zvečan on Monday morning. At the same time, a large number of Serbian demonstrators had gathered in front of the official building.
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