The United States Army will deploy new troops to Kosovo as part of the NATO-led KFOR mission, replacing units from the Florida and Colorado National Guards.
According to a statement from US Army Europe and Africa, soldiers from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and supporting units of the 1st Infantry Division will deploy to Kosovo. They will replace the Florida National Guard’s 53rd Infantry Brigade.
Additionally, elements of the 1st Infantry Division’s Combat Aviation Brigade will replace the Colorado National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 135th Aviation Regiment, IndeksOnline reports.
The rotation is part of NATO’s efforts to optimise KFOR’s force structure following a review conducted by the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE).
According to the announcement, the changes reflect improved security conditions and are intended to allow the mission to adjust gradually as circumstances permit, while ensuring KFOR remains ready to fulfil its responsibilities. European allies are expected to assume the leading role in this process, in line with NATO’s transition towards the NATO 3.0 concept.
The rotation also marks a change in how US forces are deployed in Kosovo, shifting from National Guard units to forces deployed through the military theatre structure, while maintaining continued American support for KFOR.
Colonel Samuel Sargent, speaking about the conclusion of the 53rd Infantry Brigade’s mission, said serving alongside NATO allies and partners in Kosovo had been an honour for American soldiers, IndeksOnline reports.
He praised the brigade members’ professionalism and dedication, expressing confidence that the incoming unit would continue to strengthen KFOR’s efforts to maintain a safe environment for all communities in Kosovo.
Meanwhile, Colonel Jabari M. Miller, the incoming commander of Regional Command-East, said the 1st Infantry Division and the 2nd Cavalry Regiment were honoured to take on the mission.
He stressed that US troops were prepared to work alongside NATO allies and partners to maintain a safe and stable environment in Kosovo.
The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to peace and stability in the Western Balkans, emphasising that it will continue close coordination with NATO and its partners throughout the transition.
US troops will continue contributing to the KFOR mission in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244.
