Kosovo-Serbia Tensions High

Ethnic tensions between Kosovo and Serbia have risen to the surface again in northern Kosovo. Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said tensions were “on the brink of armed conflict.” Kosovo had shut down the main border crossing as the conflict grew by barricading roads. Local Serbs in northern Kosovo are confronting ethnic Albanian authorities with the road blockades and protests.

President Aleksandar Vucic said ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo have begun to take down some barricades, but the situation remains a source of significant concern. In recent months, Kosovo Serbs had set up roadblocks in northern Kosovo.

The European Union and the U. S. both cautioned the use of “maximum restraint” as the blockades and protests have continued for more than two weeks.