The commander of KFOR, Major General Ozkan Ulutash, has said that the military mission he leads is closely monitoring the developments in terms of security after the Minister of Defense, Ejup Macedonci, alerted a few days ago saying that Serbia has deployed three brigade near the border with Kosovo.
Ulutash said that he is in regular contact with the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Serbia, Milan Mojsillovic, with whom he met in Belgrade a few days ago.
“KFOR is closely monitoring developments, which are important for regional stability, and our mission is determined to continue the effective implementation of our UN mandate to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for all people living in Kosovo, and to adapt to any development that may affect regional stability”, said Ulutash.
Meanwhile, when asked if there is a risk of repeating the September 24 attack in Banjska, Ulutash said NATO has strengthened the KFOR mission, deploying around 1,000 additional troops in Kosovo.
He said the reinforcement, which is the largest in the last decade, shows “the readiness to adapt quickly and effectively to any significant security developments and that KFOR has the means to continue fulfilling its UN mandate at any time and impartially”.
The KFOR commander added that thanks to the deployment of additional troops, their activity in the north of Kosovo has been achieved, tripling the patrols, including along the administrative border line.
Ulutash also reiterated that their main objective remains the prevention of the escalation of the security situation, saying that they are prepared and equipped “to undertake all necessary actions to continue fulfilling our UN mandate”.
Regarding the number of KFOR soldiers, he said that the additional deployment implemented by KFOR brings its total strength to over 4,800 troops, which enables KFOR to continue fulfilling its UN mandate. effectively.
“Our primary objective remains the prevention of escalation and, therefore, we are closely following any relevant security developments through a visible and flexible posture, with regular patrols and engagement with local communities. In the event of an escalation of tensions, we are prepared and equipped to take all necessary actions to continue fulfilling our UN mandate. The additional deployment implemented by KFOR brings its total strength to over 4,800 troops, which enables KFOR to continue to fulfill its UN mandate effectively.”
And when asked if there are sufficient numbers in the north of the country and if additional troops are expected, Ulutash said that “their mission continues to remain well-resourced and well-positioned to continue implementing its UN mandate , as the third security responder, in close coordination with the Kosovo Police and the EU Rule of Law mission, who are respectively the first and second security responders”.
“Our commitment to contribute to sustainable security throughout Kosovo and to regional stability is unwavering, in full compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999, for the benefit of all communities living in Kosovo”, Ulutash concluded.
