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Serbs erect new barricade as tensions simmer

Ethnic Serbs have constructed a new roadblock in northern Kosovo, after NATO peacekeepers removed a previous barricade.

Helicopters and heavily armed NATO troops removed the roadblock, amidst protest by Serb residents.

But a few hours after the peacekeepers cleared the roads, Serbs constructed a new barricade further down the road.

The roadblock in Jarinje, near the border to Serbia, is designed to keep Kosovo Albanian authorities from erecting a border post.

On Tuesday Serb protesters clashed with NATO troops, who retaliated with live ammunition.
The clash left seven Serbs and four peacekeepers injured.

Ethnic Serbs in the north of Kosovo claim the area has always been Serb land and as such should not be part of Albanian-dominated Kosovo, but be a region Serbia.
Locals say they are ready to fight any attempt by Kosovo’s authorities to gain control.

The trouble first flared in July this year when Kosovan police tried to gain control of border posts along the Serbian border, resulting in clashes which left one policeman dead and scores wounded.

The police force soon withdrew from the area, leaving NATO troops in control of the region.

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