Serbia has placed its security troops on the border with Kosovo on “the full state of combat readiness”, highlighting the Balkan country’s increasingly strained relations with neighbouring Kosovo over recent shootings and blockades. The latest escalations come after a controversial decision to ban Serbs living in Kosovo from using Belgrade-issued licence plates. The policy was eventually scrapped by Pristina, but nonetheless led to hundreds of ethnic Serb workers in Kosovo’s police and judiciary walking off the job, creating a security vacuum in Kosovo. The Nato-led peacekeeping force KFOR has reported an increase of shootings in the area.
Serbia puts troops on high alert as tensions with Kosovo rise