Drecun: Pristina Occupies Kosovo by Force, Border Areas of Central Serbia at Risk

The rapid deployment of the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) to bases across Kosovo, some of which are approximately 15 kilometers from the administrative line with Serbia, indicates that Albanians are militarily occupying the entire territory of Kosovo and posing a threat to the border areas of central Serbia, warned Milovan Drecun, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Defense and Internal Affairs.

Drecun made this statement to Sputnik following reports from Kosovo’s Ministry of Defense and the KSF about their takeover of the former Dumosh airport near Podujevo, where KSF forces will be stationed.

Drecun believes this marks a planned expansion of infrastructure for new KSF bases across Kosovo, with a focus on the eastern regions and, eventually, the north.

“In this context, new military bases are being built. In the Podujevo area, three bases are planned, alongside the existing Dumosh base, which includes an airport and the Batlava Lake. These locations are about 15 kilometers from the administrative line. It is evident that Pristina aims to close off one of the routes leading to central Serbia through these bases, as well as the two planned ones, and the Lukare base (a former Yugoslav Army barracks) near Pristina, also in the direction of Podujevo,” Drecun said.

On the other hand, he added, plans include bases in the Novo Selo area along the Gnjilane route, only about 1,000 meters from the administrative line and directly opposite Serbia’s “Jug” base.

“When you add the bases, particularly those in the Djakovica area, and the airport currently used for ‘Bayraktar’ drones, it becomes clear that Pristina intends to occupy the entire territory of Kosovo and Metohija with its so-called armed forces. This deployment targets central Serbia, including land confiscation from Serbs in northern Kosovo. A base for the KSF is likely planned in Leposavic, though it hasn’t been officially mentioned yet. This would block the main route through the Ibar Valley from central Serbia to northern Kosovo, completing the military occupation of Kosovo and Metohija by the so-called Kosovo armed forces,” Drecun explained.

Drecun assessed that the deployment of the KSF along the administrative line poses serious security risks for both the Serbian population in Kosovo and central Serbia.

“The former Kosovo Protection Corps served as a logistical base for members of terrorist groups that instigated uprisings in Bujanovac. It also supported the National Liberation Army (NLA) in Macedonia during their insurgency. It is clear that the KSF, through these bases, could spill instability into border areas of central Serbia, particularly where Albanians live, such as Presevo, Bujanovac, and Medvedja, as well as towards the Raska-Polimlje region. This represents a genuine threat,” Drecun warned.

Regarding the Dumosh airport’s use, Drecun highlighted its potential for deploying drones, which could only operate with KFOR’s approval.

“However, reconnaissance and observation across the administrative line could occur, as well as planning destabilizing activities, which undoubtedly pose a problem,” Drecun noted.

He emphasized that the Dumosh base provides a strategic location for potential operations against central Serbia.

“Podujevo is crucial due to the administrative crossing at Merdare. Their goal is to close the eastern corridor towards us under the pretense of preparing defense against an attack from central Serbia, which is baseless. In reality, they are preparing for destabilizing activities. This is a clear warning for us, and the situation must be closely monitored,” Drecun concluded.

Additionally, Drecun pointed out the importance of the weaponry that will be stationed in these bases, as Pristina has announced plans to procure air defense systems.

“There might also be mobile air defense systems deployed at the Dumosh airport, along with helicopters expected to be stationed there,” he added.

“Overall, the so-called KSF poses a threat to the security and survival of the Serbian people, given the experience with its predecessor, the Kosovo Protection Corps, known for terrorist actions. This is why it was declared a terrorist organization by the then-UNMIK chief,” Drecun told Tanjug.

Drecun reiterated that provocations and incidents by Pristina remain possible but assessed that the situation on the central Serbia side is under control.

According to him, the establishment of a new base for KSF forces in Dumosh is part of a long-term campaign to strengthen “security structures” led by Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Pristina.

He pointed out that, as part of this campaign, the number of personnel within these structures is increasing, and they are being equipped with modern weaponry.

“The focus of expanding infrastructure for members of the so-called Kosovo Security Forces (KSF) and building new bases is towards the east, along the administrative line with central Serbia, particularly in areas surrounding Presevo, Medvedja, and Bujanovac. Ultimately, their plan includes constructing a KSF base in northern Kosovo and Metohija,” Drecun said.

He noted that Dumosh should not be viewed in isolation, as, according to statements from Pristina’s Defense Minister Ejup Maqedonci, the Kosovo government has allocated two additional locations in the area, and the expansion of that base is likely.

Drecun emphasized that, unlike members of the Serbian Army who conduct joint patrols with KFOR along the administrative line, KSF personnel are not permitted to be present along the administrative line.

“By establishing these bases near the administrative lines, it is evident that Pristina’s goal is to eventually request joint patrols with KFOR to gain a presence directly along the administrative line,” Drecun said.

He added that this is all part of the implementation of a concept adopted by Pristina’s Ministry of Defense, which aims to train citizens, utilize local governments, and, of course, the KSF, with the goal of having 50,000 individuals trained in handling weapons by 2030.

Drecun reminded that the third phase of the KSF’s transformation is set to begin in 2025, during which they plan to acquire helicopters, which could also be stationed in the Dumosh area.