Background:

Long-simmering tensions between Serbian authorities and independence-seeking ethnic Albanians in the Serbian province of Kosovo escalated into full-blown fighting in February. Serbian forces, backed by Yugoslav army units, launched a major crackdown against guerrillas of the Kosovo Liberation Army and their alleged supporters -- including many civilians. Hundreds of people have been killed and some 300,000 displaced in the fighting. Tens of thousands of refugees are hiding in the woods, prompting fears of an impending humanitarian disaster.