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Tension and blockades at the Bernjak and Jarine checkpoints on the border between Serbia and Kosovo on Sunday.

The special forces, the police and the armed forces of Kosovo (KFOR) have been sent to the field, Nova TV reported.

In the northern regions of Kosovo, where mostly Serbs live, air raid sirens have also been released, reports the website Vecernje Novosti, quoted by BGNES.

It is noted that residents have started building barricades in the area of ​​Rudare, on the Pristina-Leposavich highway and near the town of Zvečan.

"After 18:00, an air alert was activated in Kosovska Mitrovica... In front of the new base of the self-proclaimed Kosovo Border Police, near the administrative post "Yarine", many fighters from the rapid reaction unit were deployed with automatic weapons, helmets and bulletproof vests," reports the publication.

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In addition, according to local media reports, around 200 Albanians gathered near the bridge leading to the north side.

There, the Serbs plan to march en masse to the place where the barricades are being built.

The reason for the escalation of tension is probably that the government of Kosovo decided to declare Serbian identity documents invalid on their territory as of August 1.

Entering citizens of Serbia will be provided with an "entry and exit document".

The announcement states that with this decision, Kosovo on its territory annuls the documents issued by the Serbian authorities.

Pristina defines this as a reciprocal measure towards Belgrade.

Today, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced in an address to the citizens that at midnight on August 1, the Kosovo Police will launch an operation in the northern part of the province and block the entry of citizens with identity documents issued in Belgrade.

The head of state called on the Kosovo Albanian authorities to respect the peace and warned that in case of aggressive actions against the Serbs, "Serbia will win".

Kosovo and Serbia

escalation of tension