NATO-led KFOR has clarified that the movement of a Serbian military convoy near Kosovo’s border was part of a previously planned exercise inside Serbian territory and does not pose a threat to Kosovo’s security or regional stability.
The convoy was spotted near the village of Ribariće, close to the Kosovo border, on September 14, prompting attention in local media and on social media just days before the Kosovo Specialist Chambers was due to issue its first-instance verdict in The Hague.
In a response to KosovaPress, KFOR said the Serbian Armed Forces had informed the mission in advance about the planned exercise, known as “Povednik ’26,” which was being conducted approximately 30–40 kilometers from the Administrative Boundary Line.
“We can confirm that KFOR was informed by the Serbian Armed Forces that they would conduct a previously planned exercise (Povednik ’26) near the Administrative Boundary Line (30/40 km),” KFOR said.
“This is a routine activity conducted within Serbian territory and does not pose a threat to security or stability in the region,” the NATO-led mission added.
KFOR said it continues to closely monitor developments along the Administrative Boundary Line and throughout Kosovo through patrols and other means.
The mission also said it remains in regular communication with Kosovo institutions, Kosovo security organizations and the Serbian Armed Forces.
The appearance of the convoy had attracted attention because of its proximity to Kosovo and the timing of the movement, amid heightened political sensitivities surrounding the Specialist Chambers proceedings.
KFOR’s clarification indicates that the military activity was part of a planned Serbian exercise rather than an action directed against Kosovo.
