NATO strengthens KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo amid recent clashes

1: NATO to increase KFOR mission in response to clashes in Kosovo As a response to the recent clashes, NATO will be increasing the number of soldiers in the KFOR peacekeeping mission by 700 troops. Jens Stoltenberg, NATO’s Secretary-General, announced the decision during a press conference in Oslo and also stated that a reserve battalion will also be put on higher readiness levels to be able to deploy quickly if necessary.

2: Background of the latest clashes in the community of Zvecan The Kosovo conflict has been ongoing for years, and the recent tensions in the northern region of the country are due to the disputed municipal elections. Kosovo-Albanians were elected as mayors with very few votes, ignoring the criticism coming from the US Embassy in Pristina. The newly elected mayors were then protected by Kosovo police and KFOR soldiers from Serbian protesters demanding their resignation and the withdrawal of the Kosovo special police. The situation became critical in the community of Zvecan when Serbian protesters attempted to storm city hall and attacked KFOR soldiers with stones, bottles, and incendiary devices.

3: The situation in the north remains tense As a result of the clashes, 30 KFOR soldiers from Hungary and Italy suffered injuries, including bone fractures and burns, while 53 Serbs were injured, according to the hospital in Mitrovica. The tensions between the two ethnic groups continue, and today, masked Serbian men attacked two cars with Albanian license plates in Leposavic. Still, the situation in Zvecan remained calm as NATO soldiers secured the city center.

4: The EU calls for calm The recent escalation in the Kosovo conflict seems to contradict the EU-brokered agreement between Kosovo and Serbia to normalize their relations. The EU strongly condemned the violence, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell calling on both parties to deescalate the situation and put an end to violence against citizens, journalists, law enforcement, and KFOR troops. Borrell called on the Kosovo authorities to halt their police operations and urged militant Serbs to withdraw, stating that Europe cannot afford another conflict.

5: The importance of KFOR’s peacekeeping mission in Kosovo KFOR’s peacekeeping mission is crucial in maintaining security in Kosovo. The country declared its independence from Serbia in 2008, but tensions between the two ethnic groups have not ceased. KFOR has been deployed in Kosovo since 1999 and has around 3,800 soldiers, including around 70 soldiers from Germany, stationed in the country. The recent increase in troops highlights the need for continued support and efforts to maintain peace in the region.