Serbia’s president orders military to take down enemy drones in country’s airspace

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) – Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has issued orders to the military to destroy any enemy drones in the country’s airspace after unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were spotted over areas bordering Kosovo, according to local media.

Speaking to Radio Television of Serbia, Prime Minister Ana Brnabic confirmed that some drones had been spotted filming military bases.

”If it happens again, we will shoot down every one of those aircraft just like any other country would do. I will not provide more information. The president will say more about it, as well as the Minister of Defense, Milos Vucevic,” said Brnabic.

Vucic’s latest directive comes after MiG-29 fighter jets were sent to ward off UAVs spotted above military bases near the boundary with Kosovo.

Vucevic had said earlier that the country’s armed forces were on alert as tensions escalated with neighboring Kosovo over the issue of car license plates.

He told Happy TV that the military would do whatever was necessary to protect Serbian citizens, including those in Kosovo.

Kosovo has tried many times this year to make its Serb minority renew their car license plates which date before 1999 when Kosovo was part of Serbia. The move has resulted in clashes between police and local Serbs.

Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in 2008, but Serbia continues to see Kosovo as its territory.