General Makini: KFOR commander’s decision to deny KSF entry to northern Kosovo was the right one

The Italian KFOR commander, General Enrico Barduani, made the right decision to deny the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) entry to northern Kosovo following the explosion in the Ibar-Lepenac canal, as the situation remained under control the entire time, said Brigadier General Chris Makini, Deputy Director for Plans, Policy, Strategy, and Capabilities (J-5) at the U.S. European Command.

Makini told RTS that the explosion in the canal was a tragic incident.

"Looking back, calm must prevail. I know that General Milan Mojsilovic was very calm and composed when he decided not to bring the Serbian Army too close to the administrative line. I believe the KFOR commander made the request. KFOR is a NATO entity, and Serbia is a member of the Partnership for Peace. KFOR’s role is to maintain peace. I think the Italian commander made the right decision, even though the KSF requested to cross into the north. The situation remained under control the entire time," Makini emphasized.

When asked who is behind the crisis in Kosovo, he recalled that Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic immediately denied Serbia's involvement.

"I know an investigation is ongoing to identify the perpetrators and determine if there are any traces, fingerprints, digital or physical evidence. The investigation continues to establish what exactly happened. It was a tragic incident, but order was restored relatively quickly, and everyone ensured the situation remained calm," the U.S. general said.

When asked how the U.S. military can ensure the safety of Serbs in Kosovo, Makini stated that the U.S. Army, as part of KFOR, is doing everything possible alongside Kosovo forces to ensure that all sides adhere to the Kumanovo Agreement.

"We conduct training with KFOR. I know Serbia also conducts training with KFOR so we can maintain peace and inclusivity in the Western Balkans. This is very important for the geopolitical environment, not just for the U.S. but also for Europe, and it is crucial for Serbia on its path to EU membership. It is also important for Serbia's financial future to preserve peace and stability in the region," General Makini noted.