British troops heighten security amid Kosovo-Serbia border tensions

PLATOON of British troops walk through a muddy road in the north of Kosovo to check if anything illegal is entering the country from Serbia following a deadly shootout two months ago. Just some 30 kilometres away, around 80 heavily armed ethnic Serb gunmen entered late in September from Serbia into the village of Banjska with more than 20 cars, including armoured vehicles, and started shooting at the police. When the gunmen ran to Serbia, they left behind an array of weapons and ammunition, including machine guns, mortars, anti-tank rocket launchers, land mines, and drones. One officer and three gunmen were killed in what is seen as the worst violence since Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. These British soldiers are patrolling for an 18-hour shift to ensure that no weapons or armed individuals enter Kosovo and gather intelligence on any suspicious activity. They face temperatures dropping below zero, and heavy snow will cover the mountains. They are part of a detachment of 200 soldiers from NATO member Britain who were rushed to Kosovo fearing the violence will continue. NATO has already sent 1000 extra troops, increasing its presence to 4500 peacekeepers. The Sun newspaper brings you the latest breaking news videos and explainers from the UK and around the world Become a Sun Subscriber and hit the bell to be the first to know Read The Sun: Like The Sun on Facebook: Follow The Sun on Twitter: Subscribe to The Sun on Snapchat: #uk #uknews #kosovo #serbia