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Hundreds of Serbian rioters in the streets of Belgrade, the capital and largest city in Serbia [MAP/SAT]. The U.S. Embassy was attacked and set afire. A charred body has been found inside the U.S. Embassy. Serbian police force clashing with rioters. Military vehicles are moving through the streets and are being attacked by protesters. Some protesters mooning police, positioning dumpsters in the streets and chanting. Dumpsters are also being set on fire in the streets. McDonalds break-in with interior destroyed.
At least 30 injuries, mostly police officers.
The United States has recognized the independence of Kosovo declared at the Kosovar Assembly on 17 February 2008. Also recognizing the independence are Turkey, Albania, Austria, Germany, Italy, France, United Kingdom, Australia.
Kosovo’s sovereignity is disputed by Serbia, Russia, China, Spain, Cyprus and some other nations, which regard Kosovo as a Serbian province under the name of Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija. Most Serbs consider Kosovo their religious and cultural heartland that is being stolen by today’s Western powers. Many have vowed to never give up Kosovo.
Unemployment in the region is about 60%. Kosovo is primarily a Muslim country, ethnic Albanian. Kosovo have been under UN control since NATO drove out Serb forces in 1999.
NATO Statement
City of Belgrade — Beograd (official site)
U.S. Embassy, Belgrade, Serbia (official site)
CIA THE WORLD FACTBOOK — Serbia