Serb protestors block border crossings in Kosovo

BELGRADE, Serbia

Serbian protestors began blocking three border crossings in Kosovo in response to the Kosovo government's decision to ban Serbian commercial vehicles.

The protest late Monday came after the government tightened border controls last Thursday with Serbia, limiting crossings and stepping up vehicle inspections as tensions rise concerning the arrest of three Kosovar police officers.

The Jarinje, Merdare and Brnjak border crossings are currently blocked for traffic with truck barricades.

Dejan Milosevic, one of the organizers of the protest at the Merdare border told reporters that demonstrators will not allow trucks and buses with Kosovo and foreign license plates to cross the border.

Dozens of trucks are waiting to cross into Kosovo at the borders for about one week. The number of trucks and their losses are increasing daily.

Kosovo's foreign ministry advised people Tuesday to use alternative borders for travel to Serbia, or if they have already entered Serbia, to take the route through North Macedonia.

Prime Minister Albin Kurti, after a Security Council meeting in the capital Pristina, accused Belgrade of attacking Kosovo "through illegal means and from border gates."

Serbia said the three Kosovar police officers were equipped with automatic weapons in full combat gear with GPS devices, maps, and other equipment before they were detained by special anti-terror forces.

Tensions have risen in Kosovo following the election of ethnic Albanian mayors in four Serb-dominated northern districts last month.

Ethnic Serbs have been protesting the election of the mayors since late May.

At least 30 NATO-led peacekeeping force in Kosovo (KFOR) soldiers were injured on May 29 while flighting with protesting Serbs who were attempting to prevent the newly elected mayor of Zvecan municipality from entering the town hall for an oath-taking ceremony before beginning his official responsibilities.

More than 53 civilians were also injured by shock bombs and tear gas, according to hospital sources.

Police in Kosovo said at least five people were detained following the clashes.