Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić put his country’s army on high alert today, Friday, after protesters clashed with police in a town in neighboring Kosovo where Serbs are the majority. Serbian Defense Minister Miloš Vučević stated, "I have ordered urgent action (for the troops) towards the Kosovo border. It is clear that there is terrorism against the Serbian community in Kosovo."
Kosovo police reported in a statement that five of their officers sustained minor injuries from stones thrown by protesters, in addition to four police vehicles being attacked, with one set on fire. Police used tear gas in the town of Zvečan to disperse a crowd outside one of the municipal buildings. Protesters attempted to prevent a newly elected Albanian governor from entering his office following elections that were boycotted by Serbs residing in Kosovo.
Local Serbian health authorities noted that about ten people sought medical care at a local hospital for minor injuries and effects from tear gas. Several NATO peacekeeping vehicles were present near the clash site, while helicopters flew over the area.
The U.S. Ambassador in Pristina, Jeffrey Hovenier, condemned the actions taken by police, stating, "The United States denounces the ongoing actions by the Kosovo authorities to access municipal buildings in northern Kosovo. The violent measures taken today must be ended immediately."
