NATO: We have reinforced troops in the north, KSF can only operate with KFOR's approval

The NATO military alliance has announced that troops within KFOR have been reinforced in the north of Kosovo and along the crossings with Serbia, which, they emphasize, will contribute to a higher degree of security and more effective response in case of escalating tensions. They note that the Kosovo Security Force and Kosovo Police in the north can only undertake actions with the approval of KFOR.

NATO states that around 1,000 new soldiers have been deployed as part of the KFOR Mission.

"After unacceptable violent incidents in May and September 2023, NATO strengthened the KFOR Mission by deploying up to 1,000 additional soldiers in Kosovo. This reinforcement, the largest in our mission in the last decade, has proven that we are able to quickly and efficiently adapt to any significant security challenge and that KFOR has the means to continue fulfilling its UN mandate at any time in an impartial manner," according to a statement published by Teve1.

Thanks to the deployment of additional troops, they add, activities in the north of Kosovo have been intensified and patrols, including at the border with Serbia, have been tripled.

"In case of tension escalation, we are ready and equipped to take all necessary actions to continue fulfilling our UN mandate. The additional deployment allows KFOR to continue effectively fulfilling its UN mandate," NATO officials say.

They reported that the KFOR commander is in regular contact with representatives of the security institutions in Kosovo.

They say they will continue to support the development of the KSF, reminding that their presence in the north is possible only with the prior consent of KFOR.

"NATO continues to support the development of the KSF through the NATO Advisory Liaison Team in full respect of the KSF's original civil emergency mandate", they emphasized.

They expressed gratitude to Kosovo for continuing to respect this agreement, highlighting that they expect timely consultations from the Kosovo Police for any action in the north that may impact the security environment.

"KSF can only be deployed in the north of Kosovo with the prior consent of the KFOR commander. We welcome the continuous respect for this obligation. The Kosovo Police, including specialized units, can operate throughout Kosovo and do not need KFOR’s approval. However, we expect timely and substantial consultations for any actions by the KSF or Kosovo Police that may impact security," NATO officials said.