Serbian army began exercises in the security zone near Kosovo

“The exercises are conducted in order to maintain a high degree of combat readiness of the units involved and their ability to respond quickly if necessary, as well as to ensure peace and security on the administrative line with the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija,” the defense ministry said.

During the exercises, special attention will be paid to practicing combat operations "in the event of an attack on a unit." Tactics, techniques and procedures that are used to prevent illegal border crossings, the activities of extremist groups and organized crime will also be worked out.

Training is carried out at bases and facilities in the security zone.

According to local residents, columns of armored personnel carriers and Kamaz vehicles drove into the cities of Raska and Novi Pazar, neighboring Kosovo.

The previous exercise within five kilometers of the Kosovo border was held in January. These are regular events.

Recall that on August 1, documents issued by the Serbian government were to cease to be valid on the territory of the unrecognized republic of Kosovo. Against this background, clashes broke out on the border. Kosovo special forces blocked the border crossings. In turn, Belgrade put the army on alert. The Serbs began to erect barricades near the village of Rudare. Shots were heard in the north of Kosovo and Metohija. Media reports of armed clashes and wounded among the civilian population.

Kosovo then postponed the procedure for banning Serbian documents until 1 September. The decision comes after the United States ambassador called for the current travel restrictions that have escalated in the north of the region not to be imposed now.