NATO peacekeepers injured in clashes between ethnic Serbs and Kosovo authorities, raising fears of new conflict

Ethnic Albanian mayors took office in majority Serb areas of northern Kosovo, leading Serbs to protest and clash with NATO peacekeepers.
Over 30 NATO peacekeepers were injured in the clashes, and Serbia put its military on high alert in response.
The situation threatens to further inflame tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008 but is not recognized by Serbia.
Russia and China support Serbia in the dispute, while the U.S. and most Western nations recognize Kosovo’s independence.
International officials are urging dialogue to prevent further violence between Serbs and ethnic Albanians in Kosovo.