KFOR Increases Northern Kosovo Presence Amid Ibar Bridge Transition

The NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) is set to enhance its presence in northern Kosovo, including in Mitrovica, as it continues a phased withdrawal of its static position from the main bridge over the Ibar River. This move is part of a broader optimization of KFOR's deployment strategy.

NATO has explicitly stated that this ongoing process of "optimization" does not signify a transfer of KFOR's mandate or responsibilities to the Kosovo Police. The alliance stressed that the transition is being conducted transparently and in coordination with relevant institutions, including the EU, Kosovo Police, and EULEX.

Regarding the potential opening of the bridge to vehicular traffic, Admiral George Wikoff of NATO's Allied Joint Force Command Naples clarified that KFOR does not have the mandate to make such decisions. "There is no mandate to decide" on the bridge's opening, Wikoff stated. This decision will fall to the European Union and relevant Kosovo institutions once KFOR concludes its static presence at the bridge. KFOR personnel will, however, remain present in the surrounding areas.

KFOR reiterated its unwavering commitment to the security of all residents in Kosovo, citing continuous and visible troop presence, regular patrols, observation posts, and engagement with local communities. The force also noted that the optimization process is reversible should circumstances affecting long-term security and regional stability arise. The current adjustments reflect an improved security situation, building on the removal of a static observation point by Italian Carabinieri from the bridge earlier in August.

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Posvećenost KFOR-a bezbednosti svih ljudi koji žive na Kosovu ostaje nepokolebljiva, što potvrđuje kontinuirano i vidljivo prisustvo našeg osoblja na terenu, uključujući redovne patrole, osmatračke tačke i kontakte sa lokalnim zajednicama