Aleksandar Vučić warns of risks regarding Kosovo bridge security

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has warned that the withdrawal of NATO troops from the Ibar Bridge in Mitrovica, Kosovo, could lead to the persecution of Serbs and Christians in the region.

NATO's Kosovo Force (KFOR) previously announced a gradual reduction of its permanent presence at the bridge, intending to transfer daily security responsibilities to local Kosovo police. The plan also includes reopening the bridge to vehicle traffic, whereas it has recently been restricted to pedestrians.

Vučić has appealed to Washington, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and EU leaders to intervene and halt this decision. He stated, “I am afraid, and everyone is afraid,” expressing concern that the situation could spiral out of control without international protection for the Serbian population in Kosovo and Metohija.