Kosovo Online reporters at a Serbian army base – on the front line of the ground safety zone

At an altitude of 1,230 meters in the Ground Safety Zone, in the municipality of Bujanovac, lies the Serbian Army base “Debela Glava.” Surrounded by forests and breathtaking natural scenery, members of the Serbian Armed Forces carry out one of their most important daily missions—securing the administrative boundary line and preventing illegal activities and incidents which, as they told our portal, are an integral part of this demanding and high-risk duty.

Written by: Katarina Saicic

At a time of global conflicts, an ongoing arms race, and persistent tensions along the administrative boundary line with Kosovo and Metohija, the Kosovo Online team visited soldiers stationed at the “Debela Glava” base, where security tasks are carried out by members of the Land Forces.

Our journey began at the “1,300 Corporals” barracks in Vranje, traveling in off-road military vehicles. The drive took us first along paved roads and then onto dirt forest roads used by the military to supply the base. As we navigated numerous winding turns, our escorts explained that the only people we were likely to encounter were forestry workers cutting timber. Instead, we were surprised by the sight of a wild horse.

“There are wild boars here as well, and wolves,” the soldier behind the wheel told us.

As we approached our destination, we learned that winters in this region can be extremely harsh, with temperatures dropping to as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius. Our conversation was interrupted by the sight of the base entrance—a barrier gate, armed guards, and a prominent “STOP” sign.

Training and Intelligence Gathering with Drones

The day at the base begins with the raising of the national flag at 7:20 a.m., followed by the soldiers’ daily duties.

Personnel rotate through shifts, while patrols along the administrative boundary line are a routine task. These patrols may be conducted on foot or as combined operations involving vehicles. Various training activities are also carried out, including terrain surveillance using drones, military exercises, and the training and conditioning of service dogs.

The Main Challenge – Maintaining Security

The “Debela Glava” base has two Belgian Malinois dogs named Emet and Cid. At the training ground, Emet demonstrated his skills by successfully completing every task assigned by his handler. According to the base commander, our host during the visit, the dogs are an integral part of patrol operations.

“The permanent mission of the Land Forces is to secure the administrative boundary line and monitor the Ground Safety Zone. Each base has its own area of responsibility, as well as permanent and specific tasks. One of those tasks is the protection of facilities, personnel, and territory within the Ground Safety Zone,” the commander explained.

According to him, maintaining security remains the primary challenge.

“The main challenges involve preserving security, preventing illegal activities, and protecting the lives and health of both military personnel and civilians,” he added.

Reconnaissance Missions in Humvees

During our stay at the base, we had the opportunity to observe part of a patrol operation. Two Humvees carrying soldiers armed with modern weaponry departed on a several-hour patrol mission aimed at gathering information in the field. While the patrol was underway, a soldier operating a drone equipped with infrared surveillance capabilities demonstrated how such operations are conducted in practice.

Dangerous situations do occur. In November last year, a group of armed Albanians opened fire on members of the Serbian Armed Forces who were patrolling along the administrative boundary line from the “Debela Glava” base. During the incident, a military dog located near the patrol was wounded.

In such situations, the soldiers explained, protecting people is the top priority.

“That is the first and most important thing. After that, there is a procedure, and everything is carried out according to it. For every task, there is a clearly defined course of action for each member of the armed forces,” they said.

Separation from Family – Another Major Challenge

Apart from the professional challenges, one of the greatest difficulties faced by members of the Serbian Armed Forces serving in the Ground Safety Zone is being away from their families.

“A major challenge for all personnel serving in the Ground Safety Zone is being away from home, family, and friends. Life goes on while we are in the field. Nevertheless, we are professional service members, fully aware of the responsibility of our work and the seriousness of our assignments. Every task assigned by our superior command is carried out professionally and with full commitment,” one soldier told us.

Although they work in an environment filled with challenges and risks, and incidents do occasionally occur, he personally has not encountered such situations.

“So far, I have not experienced any incidents in the Ground Safety Zone. Members of the Serbian Armed Forces regularly carry out the tasks assigned by superior command, which also takes care of our safety in the field,” the soldier said.

“Debela Glava” is just one of dozens of facilities located along the entire administrative belt, which stretches for 384 kilometers and is five kilometers wide. As we left the base, we did so with the feeling that the area was in safe hands.