"Endless columns of tanks have been rumbling down the boulevards, and fighter jets and helicopters have been flying overhead since the early morning. For many in Belgrade, the scenes in the capital are more reminiscent of war footage than of preparations for a military parade. For the second week in a row, the main streets of Belgrade have been blocked for rehearsals for the military event dubbed "Strength of Unity," which is due to take place this Saturday"
"The parade marks the Day of Serbian Unity, Freedom and the National Flag, a public holiday introduced in 2020 on the initiative of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik. Preparations for the parade are into their second week, with locals complaining about closed roads and congestion on the streetsImage: Darko Vojinovic/AP Photo/picture alliance Although the holiday itself is on September 15, the authorities decided that the central event should be held five days later."
Endless columns of tanks, fighter jets and helicopters have rehearsed over Belgrade, repeatedly blocking main streets for a second week. Citizens report frustration, traffic jams and difficulties crossing roads amid repeated closures and lines of military vehicles. The event commemorates the Day of Serbian Unity, Freedom and the National Flag, with central celebrations scheduled five days after the holiday. Officials state about 6,000 armed forces personnel will participate and another 4,000 will provide logistical and technical support. New weapons and combat vehicles will be presented and soldiers will unfurl a 300‑metre tricolor flag. A military analyst called the expansive display infantile and said the scale aims to make an impression regionally.
Read at www.dw.com
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