Tensions Rise Over Mitrovica Bridge Reopening in Kosovo

PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) — Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti has advocated for the full reopening of a bridge in Mitrovica, asserting that it would enhance freedom of movement and not pose a threat to any community. However, Western powers express concern that such a move could exacerbate existing tensions. The bridge has been closed to passenger vehicles for over a decade, with ethnic Serbs erecting barricades since 2011, fearing that unrestricted access for ethnic Albanians could lead to "ethnic cleansing." Mitrovica is sharply divided, with a Serb-majority north and an ethnic Albanian south, resulting in minimal interaction between the two groups. The region's history is marked by conflict, notably a 78-day NATO bombing campaign in 1999 that ended a war between Serbian forces and ethnic Albanian separatists, resulting in approximately 13,000 deaths, predominantly among ethnic Albanians. Currently, the bridge allows only commercial and foot traffic. Last week, protests erupted among ethnic Serbs against the proposed reopening, with Serbia's government also opposing the move. In response to the unrest, KFOR has bolstered its presence along the Kosovo-Serbia border, particularly at the bridge. U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey Hovenier emphasized the risks associated with reopening the bridge at this time, warning that it could lead to increased violence and complications for both local communities and NATO peacekeeping forces.