Another war in Europe? Serbia puts its troops on high alert due to tensions with Kosovo
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Serbia said it was on alert once information emerged about an alleged shooting on the border
In the last few hours, the specter of war in Europe has resurfaced, after the Serbian government announced that it had put its security troops on a state of maximum alert in the face of the escalation of tensions on the border with Kosovo.
According to a Euro News report, Bratislav Gasic, the Serbian interior minister, reported that he had “ordered full combat readiness” of the police and other security units.
The statements by the head of the Serbian Ministry of the Interior were presented by direct order of the country's President, Aleksandar Vucic, who is aware of the situation at one of its borders.
“I want to inform you that we are in a difficult situation, but we will do everything in our power,” declared President Vucic.
The Serbian president added that they are concerned about protecting their people in northern Kosovo and Metohija. He also stressed that he will take all necessary measures to protect his nation from him.
The current situation of tension between Serbia and Kosovo broke out after an alleged shooting occurred in a border area last weekend, in which; however, no injuries were reported.
After receiving conflicting reports of a shooting in which no one was injured, the Serbian government increased its presence at the border, justifying it with alleged reports of exchanges of fire.
NATO calls for calm
NATO and other members of the international community have called on Balkan foes to refrain from unleashing more violence while they investigate the weekend shooting.
NATO peacekeepers, known as KFOR, said they were “working to establish all the facts” about the incident.
“#KFOR is investigating an incident of indirect fire that occurred on December 25 in the vicinity of a @NATO_KFOR patrol. The incident involved unknown armed individuals in the Zubin Potok area," NATO's Kosovo Force (KFOR) posted on Twitter.
#KFOR is investigating an indirect fire incident on 25 December in the close proximity of a @NATO_KFOR patrol. The incident involved unknown armed people in the Zubin Potok area. pic.twitter.com/1FsznDeWae
— @NATO - KFOR (@NATO_KFOR) December 26, 2022