The unrest had escalated over the last few days. The Serbs in the northern part of the country do not want to recognize the sovereignty of the Kosovar government.
The clashes occurred in the afternoon, when Serb militants protested against the installation of new mayors in Zvecan and other municipalities. KFOR soldiers, who secured the municipal office, dispersed the violent protest. They used stun grenades and tear gas. The crowd in turn threw stones, incendiary devices, bottles and other objects at them.