NATO Peacekeeping Troops Deployed In Kosovo Amid Protests Against Albanian Mayors

NATO peacekeeping soldiers have formed security cordons around four town halls in Kosovo to keep back Serbs protesting against ethnic Albanian mayors taking office in a Serb-majority area after elections they boycotted.

In Zvecan, one of the towns in north Kosovo, state police sprayed pepper gas to repel a crowd of Serbs who broke through a security barricade on Monday and tried to force their way into the municipality building, witnesses said.

In Leposavic, close to the border with Serbia, US peacekeeping troops in anti-riot gear placed barbed wire around the municipality building to protect it from hundreds of angry Serbs gathering nearby.

“This morning, the NATO-led KFOR mission has increased its presence in four municipalities of northern Kosovo following the latest developments in the area,” a statement by KFOR, or Kosovo Force, said.

It added; “In line with its mandate, KFOR is ready to take all necessary actions to ensure a safe environment in a neutral and impartial manner.”

The peacekeepers also acted to protect the town halls in Zubin Potok and North Mitrovica from possible threats.