Turkey plans to send several soldiers to Kosovo on Sunday and Monday in response to NATO’s request to join its peacekeeping force, KFOR, following the unrest in the northern part, the Turkish Ministry of Defense said.

In a statement released Saturday, the Ministry called for restraint and constructive dialogue to resolve the crisis, which, according to Turkish authorities, could damage regional stability and security.

“Our units are planning to be deployed in Kosovo on June 4-5^th,” the Ministry said.

Since May 26^th, local Serbs in the northern municipalities of Zvečan, Leposavić, and Zubin Potok have been protesting against the appointment of new Albanian mayors in the municipal buildings.

On May 29^th, the situation escalated in Zvečan after Serbian protesters clashed with KFOR members.

As a result, 30 peacekeeping personnel and 52 Serbs were injured.

The violence prompted NATO to deploy an additional 700 troops to Kosovo, in addition to the 4,000 troops already present in the country.

The international community has continuously called for steps to reduce tensions.

Some diplomats have also called for holding new elections in the north.

Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani and Prime Minister Albin Kurti have signaled that such a possibility could occur.

With protests ongoing in Zvečan, although in a much calmer situation, the Kosovo Police announced Saturday that they have initiated investigations into the attacks against officials of the Kosovo Police on May 29^th in Zvečan.

The police stated that the prosecutor has also been informed about this case.

“About 70-80 violent individuals, using various explosive devices, firearms, stones, and concrete blocks, attacked police officers who were performing their official duties,” the police statement said.

The attacks against officials of this institution are considered “an attack against the constitutional order of Kosovo.”