Barduani: In the case of the attack on the canal, there was no need to deploy the KSF in northern Kosovo

KFOR Commander in Kosovo, Major General Enrico Barduani, stated that the recent attack on the Ibar–Lepenac canal near Zubin Potok highlights the sensitivity of the security situation, which is susceptible to possible abuses. There are specific procedures and authorizations for the potential deployment of the Kosovo Security Forces (KSF) in the north, but in the case of Zubin Potok, there was no need for the deployment of the KSF, as the Kosovo Police, with the support of EULEX and KFOR, was fully capable of managing the situation, Barduani said in an interview for RTK2.

How do you assess the current security situation in Kosovo, particularly in light of recent events? Is there concern that the situation could escalate? What are the main challenges that could jeopardize interethnic relations and community stability in Kosovo?

We live in a world where the security environment is increasingly unstable and unpredictable. This has direct implications for the Western Balkans region, as well as for Kosovo. The Western Balkans remains strategically important for the Alliance and the European continent. In Kosovo, the security situation is calm but still fragile, mainly due to unresolved political issues. In this sense, I believe that the real risk of escalating tensions, including interethnic relations, is linked to misinformation and disinformation across the region. I can say that the recent attack on the canal in Zubin Potok demonstrates the sensitivity of the security situation here in Kosovo, which could be subject to potential malicious actions. KFOR remains vigilant and maintains a visible and flexible presence across Kosovo, including deploying NATO reserve forces, to effectively carry out tasks and prevent any potential escalation.

As the KFOR Commander, my main priority is to ensure that KFOR is well-prepared and remains in a good position to continue contributing to the safety and stability of all people and communities in Kosovo at all times and impartially, in accordance with our longstanding UN mandate. However, let me add that, alongside operational readiness, constant and robust cooperation and trust-based communication with our local, regional, and international colleagues are essential for regional stability.

I would also add that regular, close meetings with key individuals, including representatives of Kosovo institutions, security organizations, the head of EULEX, members of various communities, and the diplomatic corps, form the entire panorama of my interlocutors regarding the situation here in Kosovo.
How does KFOR plan to respond in the event of sudden and unpredictable security incidents?
Given the security situation on the ground, KFOR closely monitors relevant security developments. KFOR is ready to adjust its presence to respond to any change in the scenario, fully respecting our UN mandate: to ensure a safe environment for all people living in Kosovo and freedom of movement, at all times and impartially.

To this end, we are well-trained and fully equipped to face any possible challenge that may affect the fulfillment of our mission and regional security. As demonstrated last year, KFOR can rely on a large pool of NATO reserve forces, ready to be deployed in Kosovo on very short notice.
However, let me add that in our daily activities, we also closely cooperate with the Kosovo Police and the EULEX Mission, within their respective security roles, in responding to security situations.

The opening of the bridge to traffic in North Mitrovica – how do you assess its potential security risks, given the sensitivity of the situation in that region?

First, let me say that KFOR's position on the Ibar bridge has been clear, consistent, and transparent all along: any decision in this regard must be made through dialogue and in timely and effective coordination with the international community. In this sense, I reiterate that the opening of the bridge is a political, not a military issue. Additionally, KFOR maintains its continuous presence on the bridge and continues to conduct regular patrols in the surrounding areas.

Recently, we have conducted some training activities on the bridge, and these activities are part of our regular operations designed to test our long-term operational procedures and maintain the highest military response capabilities of KFOR personnel.

What does the majority of the Serbian community in northern Kosovo perceive as a potential security risk, and what, on the other hand, do Kosovar Albanians see as such?

Well, first of all, allow me to share my personal belief, supported by my previous experiences in Kosovo: the strongest desire of the overall population, regardless of their ethnic, religious, or political background, is to live in peace. Having said this, we as KFOR are here to create the conditions for lasting peace. However, such peace requires commitment from all sides, especially at the political and diplomatic levels, with international support. In this sense, the only risk I see is weak political engagement in resolving outstanding issues. We will continue to support dialogue, including the EU-facilitated dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade, which is the only framework for resolving unresolved issues, for the benefit of all communities living in Kosovo.

What is the current cooperation like between KFOR and other international actors in Kosovo, such as UNMIK and EULEX? How are their activities coordinated on the ground?

KFOR operates in a complex environment with various local and international entities; thus, constant coordination and sustainable communication with all stakeholders are key to ensuring lasting security for all people living in Kosovo and regional stability. As I mentioned, one of my key priorities is maintaining regular trust-based communication with local, regional, and international actors, entities, and institutions.
To give you a recent example, in November we conducted the “Golden Sabre 2024” exercise, a simulation of complex security and crisis management scenarios requiring close cooperation with the Kosovo Police and EULEX. Such training enhances the ability of various actors to work effectively together and demonstrates our joint commitment to ensuring security and safety in Kosovo. Specifically, KFOR works closely and coordinates with EULEX in our respective roles as responders to security issues. I would also highlight the importance I place on regular engagement with media representatives, explaining what KFOR does and how it contributes to creating conditions for lasting security in Kosovo and safeguarding regional stability.

How do you assess the cooperation between KFOR and Kosovo authorities, including the Kosovo Security Forces (KSF)? Are there joint actions or trainings?

Yes, in short, I must add that cooperation with Kosovo institutions, including Kosovo security organizations, is very good. Regarding the KSF, in August 2016, the Alliance deployed a special team to Kosovo called the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team (NALT). NALT is not part of KFOR's structure. KFOR and NALT are therefore separate, although their activities and roles complement each other.
NALT supports the development of the Kosovo Security Forces by building capacities, coordinating education and training, in line with the original mandate of the KSF.

We welcome the continuous adherence of the KSF to the 2013 obligations not to deploy to northern Kosovo without prior consent and authorization from the KFOR Commander. This commitment was recently reaffirmed to me in writing by Kosovo's Minister of Defense, Ejup Maqedonci.
We also have good cooperation with the Kosovo Police, both in training and on a case-by-case operational basis. Such cooperation, of course, does not exempt security organizations from timely and appropriate consultations on any activities that could impact the security environment and have direct implications for regional stability.

How do you see future challenges in preserving religious and cultural heritage in the region, and how does KFOR plan to continue its mission in this context?

This is part of our mandate. KFOR is committed to contributing to the security of cultural and religious heritage sites. After years of improving the situation on the ground, KFOR has gradually transferred the responsibility for the security of religious sites to the Kosovo Police, which has successfully taken over this task.

KFOR retains responsibility for the security of the Decani Monastery, which I recently visited and where I met with Abbot Sava. KFOR’s long-standing protection of the Decani Monastery should be viewed within the broader context of our ongoing implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 from 1999, contributing to a safe environment for all people and communities living in Kosovo, at all times and impartially.

Given your duty, you’ve met with the Chief of Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces. How frequent are these meetings, and how would you describe the cooperation between KFOR and the Serbian Armed Forces?
As KFOR Commander, I regularly interact with military colleagues from neighboring countries, including the Chief of Staff of the Serbian Armed Forces, whom I recently met during my last visit to Belgrade. There is no fixed schedule for our meetings, but we contact each other as needed or when specific issues require discussion.

Overall, this allows us to discuss a range of topics of mutual interest, including security and stability in the region. Last time, for example, I emphasized the strategic importance of the region and the crucial role of political dialogue in mitigating tensions and ensuring long-term stability. I also underscored KFOR's firm commitment to supporting these efforts.

We also discussed the existing cooperation through regular and synchronized patrols by KFOR and Serbian Armed Forces units on their respective sides of the administrative boundary. These patrols are critical for monitoring the security situation, enhancing mutual awareness, and supporting regional stability. Resolving outstanding issues through dialogue is essential to ensuring lasting security across Kosovo and safeguarding regional stability.

Under UN Security Council Resolution 1244, who has authority in the Ground Safety Zone, and how are activities in this region regulated?

The Ground and Air Safety Zones (GSZ), established by the Military Technical Agreement (MTA) and UN Security Council Resolution 1244, were fully relaxed in 2001 and 2015. KFOR maintains a visible and flexible presence and closely monitors the situation throughout Kosovo and particularly along the administrative boundary. As stated in the 1999 Military Technical Agreement and accompanying procedures, the North Atlantic Council retains full authority to establish these safety zones if the security situation requires it. We continue to fulfill our UN mandate (based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244 from 1999), contributing to a safe and secure environment for all people and communities living in Kosovo, at all times and impartially. I would take this opportunity to appeal to both sides to unconditionally respect this boundary and refrain from unilateral actions—or even statements—that could harm dialogue and the peaceful resolution of outstanding issues for the benefit of all communities in Kosovo.

What was the time gap after the recent explosion at the water canal in Zubin Potok and the request by the Kosovo government to KFOR for consent to deploy the KSF to northern Kosovo? What steps did KFOR take in this regard, and what were the reactions and activities after the event on the ground?

Thank you for this question, which allows me to once again emphasize that KFOR strongly condemns the recent attack on the canal in Zubin Potok, northern Kosovo. I cannot speak about operational details, but I must say that KFOR deployed units following the explosion to secure the Zubin Potok area around the damaged water canal and offered additional assistance to Kosovo institutions, including logistical and engineering support, as well as help with the removal of explosive devices.

As I mentioned earlier, there are precise procedures and authorizations for the potential deployment of the Kosovo Security Forces in northern Kosovo. In the case of Zubin Potok, there was no need for the deployment of the KSF, as the Kosovo Police, with the support of EULEX and KFOR, was fully capable of managing the situation.

Our mission also includes activities to protect critical infrastructure across Kosovo, in close cooperation with Kosovo institutions and security organizations.