A top NATO commander declared on Tuesday that the alliance has provided its military force in Kosovo with weapons of "combat power" in response to a recent firefight between masked men.
Serb gunmen and Kosovo police that resulted in the deaths of four people and heightened tensions in the region, as per to WIONews.
NATO Boosts Troop Presence in Kosovo Amid Escalating Tensions
Adm. Stuart B. Munsch of the Allied Joint Force Command in Naples, Italy, announced that a battalion of 200 troops from the United Kingdom and 100 soldiers from Romania would be deployed to the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) with heavier armament.
The decision comes as tensions escalate in Kosovo following recent clashes between opposing factions. To preserve peace, NATO is prepared to increase its troop presence and armaments in the region. Kosovo has been the site of a protracted conflict between Serbia and Kosovo, its former province.
After 78 days of NATO attack, Serbian forces withdrew from Kosovo in 1999, bringing an end to the conflict between the two countries. Tragically, the conflict resulted in the loss of over 10,000 lives, the majority of which were Kosovo Albanians.
In response, KFOR was established. Approximately 4,500 forces from 27 nations are equipped with light weapons and vehicles to maintain peace in the region.
The recent surge in tensions in Kosovo was sparked on September 24 when around 30 Serbian gunmen killed a Kosovar police officer. Therefore, they set up barricades in northern Kosovo and engaged in a prolonged gun battle with Kosovo police, resulting in the deaths of three gunmen, according to Fox News.
Kosovo: NATO Bolsters Troop Presence Amid Ongoing Tensions
After this incident, NATO deployed 600 Turkish troops to the region to bolster KFOR's presence. Adm. Munsch emphasized NATO's commitment to preserving peace in Kosovo by stating that the alliance is ready to increase troop numbers and armament capabilities if necessary.
A high state of readiness has been maintained, ensuring that additional forces with even heavier armament are deployable if the NATO nations decide to do so. Maj. Gen. Angelo Michele Ristuccia, the outgoing KFOR commander, highlighted the significance of a political solution in achieving lasting peace and stability in Kosovo.
KFOR fully supports the EU-facilitated dialogue between Pristina (the capital of Kosovo) and Belgrade (the capital of Serbia) aimed at normalizing their ties.
Ristuccia acknowledged the volatility of the situation and the potential for further escalation. He emphasized that only through political negotiations can a sustainable solution be found.
In February, the European Union presented a 10-point plan to resolve Kosovo's ongoing political crises. While Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic initially approved the project, several unresolved reservations persist.
The EU-facilitated dialogue, which commenced in 2011, has yielded limited progress in resolving the complex issues between Pristina and Belgrade. Kosovo's declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008 remains a contentious issue, as Belgrade refuses to recognize it.
The unresolved political disputes contribute to the ongoing tensions in the region. NATO's increased troop presence and armament demonstrate their commitment to maintaining stability. However, a comprehensive political solution is essential to ensure peace in Kosovo, INDEPENDENT Reported.
