U.S. Army General Christopher Cavoli, Commander of U.S. European Command, has recommended an increase in the permanent U.S. military presence in Kosovo, during his testimony before the U.S. Senate.
Addressing the Senate Armed Services Committee, Cavoli emphasized that Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to pose security challenges in the Western Balkans. He stated that the U.S. currently contributes approximately 600 troops to the NATO-led KFOR mission in Kosovo, alongside significant contributions from allies like Italy.
“KFOR remains deployed on the ground. Italy and other allies are taking it seriously. We’ve had reserve forces in Kosovo for over a year to respond to rising tensions,” Cavoli noted.
The general revealed that the U.S. has deployed reserve forces to the region in response to heightened tensions over the past year. However, he now seeks to expand the number of permanently stationed troops in Kosovo to relieve those reserves.
“We’re in the process of increasing the permanent troop numbers to free up the reserves. I expect an agreement on this will be reached soon,” Cavoli told the committee in response to a question from Senator Jeanne Shaheen.
Cavoli also praised allies like Turkey, Hungary, the United Kingdom, and Italy for their strong commitment and responsible engagement in contributing reserve troops to KFOR.
This push marks a strategic shift in the U.S. military’s long-term posture in the region, underscoring its continued commitment to stability and peace in the Western Balkans.
