The commander of the NATO-led KFOR mission, Major General Özkan Ulutaş, has said that KFOR is closely monitoring developments in terms of security after the Minister of Defense,

Ejup Macedonci, a few days ago, had alarmed saying that Serbia has deployed three brigades near the border with Kosovo.

In a written interview for KosovaPress, Ulutaş said that he is in regular contact with the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Serbia, Milan Mojsilovic, with whom he met in Belgrade a few days ago.

“KFOR is watching closely developments, which are relevant to regional stability, and our mission is well postured to continue implementing effectively our UN mandate to ensure a safe and secure environment for all people living in Kosovo, and to adapt to any development that could affect regional stability” said Ulutaş.

Meanwhile, when asked if there is a risk of repeating the September 24 attack in Banjska, Ulutaş said NATO has reinforced the KFOR mission, deploying around 1,000 additional troops in Kosovo.

He said the reinforcement that is the biggest in a decade, shows “that we are able to adapt swiftly and effectively to any significant security development, and that KFOR has the means to continue fulfilling its UN mandate, at all times and impartially”.

He 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.

Ulutaş also reiterated that their main objective remains preventing the escalation of the security situation, saying 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 engagements with local communities. In the event of heightened tensions, we stand prepared and equipped to undertake all necessary actions to continue fulfilling our UN mandate. The additional deployment implemented by KFOR brings its total strength to over 4800 troops, which allows KFOR to continue fulfilling its UN mandate effectively” he told KosovaPress.

When asked if there are sufficient numbers in the north of the country and if additional troops are expected, Ulutaş said that “our mission remains well-resourced and well postured to continue implementing its UN mandate, as third security responder, in close coordination with the Kosovo Police and the EU Rule of Law mission, which are the first and second security responders, respectively”.

“Our commitment to contribute to lasting security across Kosovo and to regional stability is steadfast, in full respect of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999, for the benefit of all communities living in Kosovo”, concluded Ulutaş.