British forces will be deployed as part of the NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo at the request of NATO. This follows the violent attack on Kosovo Police in northern Kosovo on September 24 and growing tensions in the region.
Following a request from the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and approval from the North Atlantic Council, the UK will deploy around 200 soldiers from the 1st Battalion of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment in the coming days to join the British contingent of 400 men already present. country as part of an annual exercise. The British Army unit was assigned to the NATO Force Commander in Kosovo following a specific request from the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, ‘SACEUR’, US General Chris Cavoli. This deployment demonstrates the leadership and agility of British defense. This deployment will bring strength and expertise to NATO, as part of our crucial and unwavering commitment to the alliance.
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defense Staff, said:
The deployment of the 1st Battalion of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment demonstrates the responsiveness of the British armed forces. We continue to play a fundamental role in the NATO alliance, sharing our military expertise and strength.
Expanding our support for the Kosovo Force (KFOR) underlines our unwavering commitment to NATO and the security of the Western Balkans region.
Under NATO command and working alongside forces from other allied countries, UK forces will be available to carry out operations in line with KFOR’s mandate to maintain a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all inhabitants of Kosovo.
NATO has led a peace support operation in Kosovo – the Kosovo Force (KFOR) – since June 1999. Troops for the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) are provided by 28 countries. The UK provides two intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) units, staff officers to the mission headquarters, alongside the SRF engagement, maintained in readiness for 14 days. The UK’s commitment to KFOR was extended in May 2023 when the Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey announcement the UK would continue to contribute to the NATO mission until at least 2026.
British forces have played a key role in maintaining peace and strengthening security in the region for more than two decades and, alongside their allies, they continue to demonstrate collective strength to tackle the complex issues facing the world is facing today.
Background:
- NATO has led a peacekeeping mission in Kosovo – the Kosovo Force (KFOR) – since June 1999. KFOR was established at the end of NATO’s 78-day air campaign against the Milosevic regime, aimed at ending the violence in Kosovo.
- KFOR’s initial objectives were to deter the resumption of hostilities, establish a secure environment and ensure public security and order, demilitarize the Kosovo Liberation Army, support the international humanitarian effort and to coordinate with the international civilian presence.
- Today, KFOR continues to contribute to maintaining a safe and secure environment in Kosovo and freedom of movement for all: NATO – Theme: NATO’s role in Kosovo