Border tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, Serbian troops on combat alert

Serbia has placed its security forces on frontline with Kosovo in “ full state of combat reiness” and has been ignoring NATO's appeal for calming down tensions between two wartime Balkan countries, reported Associated Press.

“Ordered full combat reiness of police and or security units and that y are placed under command of army chief of staff according to ir operational plan,” said Bratislav Gasic, Serbia’s Interior Minister. 

Furr, Gasic said that actions were taken as per orders that have been delivered by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic who said, “All measures be taken to protect Serbian people in Kosovo.”

Kosovo, a self-declared independent country in Balkans region of Europe, has remained in crisis years after 1998-99 war which was ended by NATO interventions. Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence has not been recognised by Serbia and western interventions have failed in efforts to mediate between two. 

Serbian troops on Kosovo border

Amid tensions at Kosovo border, NATO peacekeepers said y have been investigating a shooting incident in a tense norrn region of Kosovo and have urged both to maintain peace as Serbian troops at border show combat reiness. A shooting incident took place on Sunday evening in Zubin Potok, a town where tensions have been running high, h no casualties. "No one is injured and we are working to establish all facts,” said one of peacekeepers in a statement, reported AP. 

“We expect all actors to refrain from provocative shows of force and to seek best solution to ensure safety and security of all communities,” said peacekeeper while talking about current tension on Kosovo border. 

Meanwhile, defence minister of Serbia with army’s chief of staff h travelled to Kosovo border and praised combat reiness of Serbian troops and ir firepower, including howitzers and or military hardware, which have been eir donated by Russia or purchased from Russia, reported AP.