NATO peace mission continue patrols to ensure security on Kosovo-Serbian border

NATO's Peace Force in Kosovo (KFOR) continues to ensure security Wednesday with patrols on the border between Kosovo and Serbia.

Anadolu accompanied the patrol of Italian soldiers under KFOR along the border area close to the municipalities of Zvecan and Zubin Potok, where most Serbs live in northern Kosovo.

KFOR soldiers were also observed on boat patrol on Ujman Lake in the border region.

Guglielmino Esercito, commander in charge of the Italian unit, told Anadolu that units carry out patrols to ensure a safe environment and freedom of movement for all in Kosovo.

"We are well equipped and trained, so our flexibility can allow us to face all kinds of challenges in the field of operation, so KFOR is ready to face all kinds of challenges,'' said Esercito.

KFOR increased its presence and patrol after a clash broke out in the village of Banjska in northern Kosovo near the Serbian border when a group of armed Serbs blocked a bridge with two trucks in late September.

A shootout erupted after the group opened fire on police, leaving an officer dead and another injured.

A large number of security forces were dispatched and the Brnjak border crossing between Kosovo and Serbia was closed.

The area has been the scene of unrest since April, when local ethnic Serbs boycotted elections in northern Kosovo, followed by protests against the election of ethnic Albanian mayors.

Albanians are by far the largest ethnic group in Kosovo, followed by Serbs, with about half living in the north.

Amid the unrest concerning the elections, NATO peacekeepers were deployed, including a group of additional Turkish reinforcements.

Under a UN Security Council resolution, NATO has led a peacekeeping mission in Kosovo since 1999. Currently, the mission has approximately 4,500 troops contributed by 27 NATO allies and partners.

Türkiye took command of NATO's Kosovo Force (KFOR) on Oct. 9, with Ulutas formally assuming charge at a ceremony in Pristina.

Among 27 NATO member countries and partners, Türkiye has the second-largest contingent in KFOR, contributing 780 of its approximately 4,500 soldiers.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and was recognized by many countries, including Türkiye. But Belgrade has never recognized Kosovo and claims it is still part of Serbia.