Tensions escalated in central Tirana on Wednesday as protesters opposing the proposed development project in Zvernec broke through a police cordon set up near the city center.

According to reports from the scene, demonstrators pushed past security barriers despite efforts by police to contain the crowd. In response, officers deployed water trucks and sprayed water toward protesters in an attempt to disperse them.

Witnesses said the demonstrators refused to retreat, maintaining their position even after water cannons were used. The three water trucks were later withdrawn from the area as the standoff continued.

Video footage showed police forces blocking access from Mother Teresa Square toward Air Albania Stadium, where Albania is scheduled to face Israel later in the evening. Security measures around the stadium have been intensified ahead of the international football match.

The protest, organized against the controversial Zvernec project, drew a significant number of participants, with tensions remaining high as demonstrators continued to challenge police restrictions in the area.

No immediate information was available regarding injuries or arrests.