In a significant move aimed at extending legal authority in northern Kosovo, Kosovo police forces have shut down several Serbian-run institutions in key northern towns.
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| The Kosovar Police remove the Serbian flag in one of the parallel institutions in the North of Kosovo |
The operations targeted parallel Serbian structures in North Mitrovica, Zubin Potok, Leposavic and Zvecan, as well as offices of the Mitrovica District. According to sources, these institutions were functioning outside of Kosovo's legal framework and were suspected of engaging in illegal activities.
Kosovo's Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla stated that "the era of lawlessness has ended" and that only Serbia's embassy in Pristina would remain as an official presence in Kosovo going forward.
The closures come amid growing tensions between Kosovo's government and the Serbian minority population in northern Kosovo. This area remains largely under Serbian control despite being part of Kosovo.
The move has drawn criticism from both Serbia and Western powers. The U.S. Embassy in Pristina expressed concerns about the unilateral nature of the action, warning it could increase regional tensions.
Kosovo's government maintains these actions are necessary to establish rule of law across the territory. However, many fear it could exacerbate long-standing divisions between Kosovo's ethnic Albanian majority and Serbian minority.
The situation highlights ongoing challenges related to governance and recognition of Kosovo's borders, particularly in the disputed north. International efforts continue to try to normalize relations between Kosovo and Serbia, though progress remains limited.
This development marks a significant escalation in Kosovo's push to assert control over areas currently under informal Serbian administration. It remains to be seen how local communities and authorities in northern Kosovo will respond to these changes.