The Latest: Albania joins sea patrol, first of its kind

BELGRADE, Serbia – The Latest on the influx of migrants into Europe (all times local):

5:10 p.m.

Albania’s Defence Ministry says a warship has left to take part with the NATO “Sea Guardian” maritime force deployed to the Aegean Sea to stop smuggling of migrants from Turkey to Greece, a first mission of the kind for the country.

A statement Monday said that the 21-crewmember Oriku warship left the western port of Durres to join the NATO force under Dutch command monitoring the Aegean Sea.

This is a first maritime mission for Albania, which has previously taken part in an international military mission only with infantry troops.

Albania, a NATO member since 2009, has not been a major transit route for migrants through Europe so far, although small groups have tried crossing it to reach its northern neighbours.

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5:05 p.m.

A fight among migrants in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, has left one person dead and one seriously injured.

Police say they detained five migrants following the brawl Monday in central Belgrade. A statement says the detained migrants had knives.

Some 7,000 people have been trapped in Serbia since neighbouring European Union countries beefed up border controls to stop the influx.

More than 1,000 migrants have been camping in parks and abandoned warehouses in downtown Belgrade. They are looking for ways to cross the borders illegally with people-smugglers.

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