NATO soldier injured in Kosovo, Serbia on highest alert

KFOR, NATO's peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, condemned the violence by the protesters. "While restraining the extremists in the crowd, several KFOR soldiers were subjected to unprovoked attacks, suffering burns and broken bones," the statement said.

NATO soldier injured in Kosovo Serbian army in highest state of alert picture 1 — Serbian protesters clash with NATO peacekeepers in the city of Zvecan, Kosovo. Photo: Reuters

Hungarian Defense Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky said seven Hungarian soldiers who were seriously injured would be sent home for treatment. Several Italian soldiers were also injured.

“What is happening is completely unacceptable and irresponsible,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement. “It is important that all parties de-escalate immediately.”

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has now put his army on maximum combat alert. He said 52 Serbs living in Kosovo had been injured in the clashes.

Serbian Defense Minister Milos Vucevic told reporters that Mr Vucic, commander-in-chief of the Serbian armed forces, had raised the military's combat readiness to the highest level.

"The Chief of the General Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces has issued additional instructions on the deployment of military units at specific, designated locations," Vucevic said.

Kosovo's President, Vjosa Osmani, is accusing his Serbian counterpart of destabilizing Kosovo. Meanwhile, Mr Vucic has counter-accused Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti of creating tensions. He has called on Kosovo Serbs to avoid clashes with NATO troops.

Tensions have risen after mayors of ethnic Albanians, who make up 90 percent of Kosovo's population, took office in the Serb-majority north of the country.

In Zvecan, one of the towns where clashes occurred, Kosovo police fired tear gas at protesters who tried to breach security lines and storm the town hall. Protesters threw tear gas and stun grenades at NATO troops and damaged NATO vehicles.

In Leposavic, near the border with Serbia, US peacekeepers had to put up barbed wire around the town hall to prevent protesters from storming it.

Hoang Nam (according to Reuters, AP)

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