The United States warned: “Unprecedented”: withdraw its forces

As tensions between Kosovo and Serbia escalated, John Kirby, Strategic Communications Coordinator for the White House National Security Council, made a notable statement.

Kirby said Serbia has made an “unprecedented” military buildup on the border with Kosovo. According to Kirby’s statement, artillery, tanks and mechanized infantry were sent to the region.

Kirby noted that this is a very destabilizing development and said: “We call on Serbia to withdraw these forces from the border.”

Kirby said the purpose of the reinforcement was unclear, adding that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and called for “an immediate de-escalation of tensions and a return to dialogue.”

WHAT HAPPENED IN KOSOVO

The tension, which had lasted for months in northern Kosovo, escalated again on the morning of September 24, when armed Serbs blocking the road opened fire in Banjska, where Serbs mostly live, causing the death of a police officer. .

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced that a heavily armed group of approximately 30 people, whom he described as “a professional criminal/terrorist structure”, attacked the Kosovo police and held Serbia responsible for the incident.

The armed group, which took refuge in and around the Banjska monastery, was surrounded by Kosovo police and clashes continued in the region throughout the day.

Kosovo Interior Minister

Serbian President Aleksandr Vucic confirmed that the incident that led to the death of a Kosovo police officer was committed by Kosovo Serbs.