British troops arrive in Kosovo, KFOR: planned deployment

Personnel, equipment and vehicles of the 1st Battalion of the British regiment “The Rifles” have arrived in Kosovo, as part of a planned and routine deployment of KFOR’s Strategic Reserve Force.

The news was announced by NATO’s mission in Kosovo, KFOR, which said the British troops will remain in the country for about six weeks.

During this period, members of the battalion will conduct a series of training activities as part of the United Kingdom’s long-term contribution to the NATO-led peacekeeping mission in Kosovo.

“Over the next six weeks, they will conduct several training activities, as part of the United Kingdom’s long-term contribution to the NATO-led KFOR mission,” the announcement says.

KFOR clarified that the deployment of the British battalion does not represent a change to the mission’s mandate and is not linked to the process of optimising KFOR’s presence in Kosovo.

“The deployment of this battalion from the United Kingdom does not represent a change to KFOR’s mandate and is not part of the process launched to optimise KFOR’s posture, to ensure that our mission remains fit for purpose,” the mission said.

According to KFOR, the mission continues to contribute to maintaining a safe and calm environment for all citizens in Kosovo, as well as to guaranteeing freedom of movement.

KFOR has operated in Kosovo since June 1999, and its mandate is based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244. NATO defines its mission as a contribution to a safe and calm environment and to freedom of movement.

The mission has also stressed that it acts impartially and in coordination with the Kosovo Police and the European Union Rule of Law Mission, EULEX.

“We continue to contribute to maintaining a safe and calm environment for all people living in Kosovo, as well as to guaranteeing freedom of movement,” the KFOR announcement says.

Kosovo Police and EULEX, meanwhile, continue to act in line with their respective roles and responsibilities in the security field.

The deployment of the British battalion, according to KFOR, is part of the United Kingdom’s continued commitment to the mission and is a planned deployment, without changing the mandate or the nature of NATO’s presence in Kosovo.