https://news.sky.com/story/nato-to-d...-rise-12893256
NATO to deploy extra 700 troops to Kosovo as tensions with ethnic Serbs rise
NATO will deploy an extra 700 troops to Kosovo amid rising tensions with ethnic Serbs.
An additional battalion of reserve forces have also been put on high alert to be deployed if needed, NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg has said. He said attacks in Kosovo "must stop".
Mr Stoltenberg warned that NATO troops "will take all necessary actions to maintain a safe and secure environment for all citizens in Kosovo".
He urged both sides to take steps to de-escalate, refrain from "further irresponsible behaviour", and to return to EU-backed talks on improving relations……
The flare-up has triggered a flurry of international efforts to calm the situation.
The US and most European Union nations have recognised Kosovo's independence from Serbia while Russia and China have sided with Belgrade.
Earlier today China expressed its support for Serbia's efforts to "safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity" and Moscow has repeatedly criticised Western policies in the dispute.
Italian FM Antonio Tajani has confirmed that 11 Italian NATO soldiers have been injured in the clashes, and that 3 of them are in critical condition. Italy has over the years been one of the main contributors to KFOR and the forces have been led by a string of Italian commanders.
