LEPOSAVIC, Kosovo -On Monday, clashes between Serb protesters and around 25 NATO peacekeeping soldiers defending three town halls in northern Kosovo resulted in injuries to the soldiers. In response, Serbia's president elevated the army to the highest level of combat alert. The violence was strongly condemned by KFOR, the NATO-led peacekeeping mission in Kosovo.

According to KFOR's statement, soldiers from the Italian and Hungarian contingents were targeted with unprovoked attacks by the most active members of the crowd. These attacks caused traumatic injuries such as fractures and burns due to the detonation of incendiary devices.

Hungary's defense minister, Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky, provided an update stating that seven Hungarian soldiers were seriously injured in the clashes, and they will be transported to Hungary for medical treatment. Additionally, a total of 20 soldiers from the Hungarian contingent were injured. Italian soldiers were also among those injured during the confrontations.

Italian prime minister  Giorgia Meloni expressed her strong disapproval of the situation, describing it as entirely unacceptable and irresponsible. In a statement, she emphasized the importance of avoiding further unilateral actions by the Kosovar authorities and called on all parties involved to immediately de-escalate the tensions.

Clashes between Serb protesters and NATO peacekeeping soldiers in northern Kosovo resulted in injuries on both sides. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic reported that 52 Serbs were injured, while three of them suffered serious injuries. Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani accused President Vucic of destabilizing Kosovo and blamed Serbian structures turned criminal gangs for attacking Kosovo police, KFOR officers, and journalists.

Vucic, on the other hand, accused Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti of creating tensions and urged Serbs to avoid clashes with NATO soldiers. The tensions arose after ethnic Albanian mayors took office in Serb-majority areas of northern Kosovo, following elections boycotted by the Serbs. In Zvecan, Kosovo police used pepper spray to repel a crowd of Serbs attempting to enter a municipality building.

Serb protesters in Zvecan engaged in violent actions, including throwing tear gas and stun grenades at NATO soldiers. They also clashed with the police and vandalized NATO vehicles with the letter "Z," reminiscent of a Russian symbol used in the Ukrainian conflict. In Leposavic, U.S. peacekeeping troops used barbed wire to protect the town hall from angry Serb demonstrators.

Protesters later targeted the car of the newly appointed mayor by throwing eggs. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, as the commander-in-chief of the Serbian armed forces, raised the army's combat readiness to the highest level.

Clashes and tensions have escalated in northern Kosovo between Serb protesters, NATO peacekeeping forces, and the Kosovo government. Serbian Armed Forces raised their combat readiness, and NATO troops have taken measures to protect town halls from angry Serb demonstrators. The situation arose after ethnic Albanian mayors took office in Serb-majority areas following boycotted elections by Serbs.

The United States and its allies criticized Pristina for imposing mayors without popular support, while Serbian officials demanded the removal of ethnic Albanian mayors. The situation remains tense, with reports of violence, graffiti, and clashes in the region.