A wave of violent unrest erupted in Kosovo in March 2004, resulting from deep-rooted ethnic tensions between the predominantly ethnic Albanian population and the Serbian minority. This turmoil led to the loss of more than 22 lives and over 200 injuries, signaling a severe escalation in violence that echoed post-war grievances. The destruction during this unrest included 35 Serbian Orthodox churches in Kosovo, symbolizing a devastating attack on Serbian cultural heritage, as well as two mosques targeted in Serbia, reflecting an alarming cycle of ethnic retaliation. Notable cities affected included Mitrovica, a focal point for conflicts between communities. The violence coincided with a series of incidents and political failures that had left both communities feeling vulnerable and threatened, exacerbating an already fragile environment.Underlying this unrest were unresolved issues following the Kosovo War, which ended in 1999 and left Kosovo under United Nations administration. The dissatisfaction with the political status quo, coupled with economic hardships and social injustice claims, created a volatile mix. Ethnic tensions were amplified by events leading up to the protests, including reports of unsolved crimes and perceived discrimination against Serbs in Kosovo. As a result, the violence served as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in the region.