[Danger Level]
Areas near the northern border of Kosovo with Serbia (Leposaviq, Zvečan, Zubin Potok, and North Mitrovica)
Level 2: Please refrain from all non-essential travel. (Ongoing)
[Points]
The overall domestic situation in Kosovo is calm, and there has been no deterioration in security. However, in some areas near the northern border with Serbia, there are movements by Serbian nationalists who do not recognize Kosovo’s independence and appear to be opposed to the Kosovo government. In September 2023, an armed group attacked security forces. Therefore, please refrain from all non-essential travel to the specified areas near the northern border with Serbia.
Details
1. Overview
(1) Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in February 2008, and the constitution came into effect in June of the same year. Japan recognized Kosovo as an independent state in March 2008 and established diplomatic relations in February 2009. As of January 2024, more than 100 countries recognize Kosovo as an independent state.
(2) Serbia does not recognize Kosovo’s independence, and in some areas near the northern border with Serbia, where a majority of Serbian residents live, movements perceived as anti-Kosovo government are observed among Serbian nationalists.
(3) The EU continues to mediate efforts to promote reconciliation between Kosovo and Serbia, and the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), established after the conflict, remains active in maintaining security. NATO-led International Security Forces (KFOR) and EU-led rule of law missions (EULEX) are also deployed to assist Kosovo authorities in maintaining security. Along with the efforts of the Kosovo government to stabilize the domestic situation, this international support has contributed to an overall calmness in Kosovo, and no significant deterioration in security has been observed.
(4) In rural areas, there are about ten municipalities where a majority of Serbian residents live. In the four northern municipalities where Serbian residents are predominant, there continue to be tense relations between the Kosovo government and security forces and Serbian nationalists, leading to demonstrations and violent incidents as mentioned below. In areas where both Serbian and Albanian residents live in proximity, the overall situation remains calm, with no significant deterioration in security.
(5) Kosovo still has many landmines and unexploded ordnance left over from the conflict prior to 1999, and efforts to identify and remove these threats are ongoing. Additionally, the recovery of weapons from the conflict remains insufficient, and incidents involving the use of such weapons have occurred, warranting caution.
(6) Individuals have been identified returning to Kosovo after traveling to Syria and Iraq to join Islamic extremist organizations such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). While no specific terrorist activities by such extremists have been confirmed so far, there is a need for vigilance regarding potential activities by Islamic extremists.
2. Regional Situation
Areas near the northern border of Kosovo with Serbia (Leposaviq, Zvečan, Zubin Potok, and North Mitrovica)
Level 2: Please refrain from all non-essential travel. (Ongoing)
(1) There has historically been a conflict between the majority Albanian population and the minority Serbian population in Kosovo. Following the declaration of independence in February 2008, there was a surge in opposition from Serbian residents, especially in the four northern municipalities where they are predominant, leading to incidents involving casualties.
(2) In September 2022, tensions escalated due to disputes over vehicle license plates and border crossing procedures between Kosovo and Serbia, leading to demonstrations and road blockages, prompting KFOR’s intervention.
(3) Additionally, in November of the same year, Serbian mayors and public officials from the four municipalities resigned in protest over the license plate issue. In the elections held in April of the following year, the Serbian population boycotted the elections, resulting in the election of an Albanian mayor, creating a politically and socially tense situation.
(4) In September 2023, an attack by Serbian armed groups occurred in the village of Baniska, located in the municipality of Zvečan, where a majority of the population is Serbian. This incident resulted in the death of one Kosovo police officer and injuries to two others.
(5) While the situation has currently stabilized, it is important to remain mindful of the ongoing tensions as mentioned above.
Therefore, please refrain from all non-essential travel to the specified areas near the northern border with Serbia (Leposaviq, Zvečan, Zubin Potok, and North Mitrovica). If you must travel, please exercise special caution and implement adequate safety measures. There are no significant danger alerts for municipalities with a large Serbian population outside the aforementioned four municipalities or areas bordering Serbia; however, please be aware of general safety measures as noted in section 3 below.
3. Precautions for Travel and Stay
(1) The Embassy of Japan in Kosovo opened on January 1, 2020. If you are traveling to or staying in Kosovo, please obtain the latest information from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Japan in Kosovo, and local authorities to ensure you are fully aware of the current situation. Consider hiring a guide familiar with local conditions to avoid being involved in incidents.
(2) Tourist sites, event venues, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls, public transportation, and religious sites may have limited security and surveillance, making them potential targets for terrorism, requiring constant vigilance. It is crucial to recognize that terrorism can occur anywhere, and that Japanese nationals can also be targets. Ensure you implement appropriate and sufficient safety measures according to the circumstances. The risk of kidnapping targeted at foreigners also exists and should not be overlooked. Please make efforts to stay informed about the latest security information through media reports and other sources.
(3) When traveling abroad, it is advisable to inform family, friends, and colleagues of your itinerary and contact details in case of emergencies.
Comment