KFOR begins gradual security transition in northern Kosovo

KFOR, the NATO-led international peacekeeping force, has begun a gradual withdrawal of its permanent presence in northern Kosovo, including the removal of a checkpoint on the bridge over the Ibër River. The mission cited an improvement in the security situation as the reason for this transition, though KFOR stated it remains ready to return to the field if future developments require it.

Kosovo’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, announced that responsibilities are being transferred from KFOR to the Kosovo Police. This transition is expected to lead to the reopening of the main bridge between North and South Mitrovica for traffic. Additionally, the Kosovo Police will gradually integrate into the security structures protecting the Visoki Dečani monastery.

The decision follows several recent incidents in northern Kosovo that have caused concern for local Serbs and the European Union, including the demolition of 17 holiday homes near Lake Gazivoda by the public enterprise ‘Ibër-Lepenci’ following a decision by the Ministry of Environment.