KFOR begins gradual withdrawal from Mitrovica's Ibër River bridge

KFOR Kosovo security Ibar River bridge Mitrovica NATO mission

KFOR has initiated a gradual reduction of its permanent military presence at the main bridge over the Ibër River in Mitrovica. This optimization process is being conducted in response to improved security conditions in Kosovo and is being coordinated with relevant authorities. As part of this transition, security responsibilities for the Ibër bridge and the Deçan Monastery are being transferred to the Kosovo Police.

NATO has confirmed that the mission is adapting its positioning to current circumstances to support a secure environment and freedom of movement. KFOR Commander Major General Özkan Ulutaş noted that while the presence is being optimized, KFOR will maintain a strong presence in northern Kosovo and can be redeployed if regional stability is threatened.

The move has met with mixed reactions. The Serbian List expressed opposition to the reduction, stating that the Kosovo Police lack the trust of the local Serbian population and that KFOR remains a vital stability factor. Meanwhile, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has suggested that authorities are considering changing the course of the Ibar River in response to tensions in northern Kosovo, a proposal that has drawn criticism from the European Union and technical experts who argue such a move is unfeasible and could disrupt water supplies.

Entities

Aleksandar Vučić · EULEX · European Union · KFOR · Kosovo Police · Mitrovica · NATO · Ozkan Ulutash · Serbian Orthodox Church · Srpska Lista · Visoki Dečani monastery · Xhelal Svecla

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 12 SOURCES] The integration process is being coordinated with the Serbian Orthodox Church, Kosovo institutions, the Kosovo Police, and EULEX. nin.rs · www.epokaere.com · www.mesazhi.com · www.aktuality.sk · javanews.al · +1 more
[● 12 SOURCES] KFOR has started the gradual integration of Kosovo Police personnel into the security architecture of the Visoki Dečani monastery. nin.rs · www.epokaere.com · vreme.com · balkaninsight.com · www.aktuality.sk · +1 more
[● 14 SOURCES] The move is part of a process to optimize KFOR's deployment and presence. nin.rs · www.epokaere.com · www.mesazhi.com · 24-ore.com · javanews.al · +3 more
[● 9 SOURCES] KFOR remains the first responder for the security of the Visoki Dečani monastery. nin.rs · www.aktuality.sk · javanews.al
[● 2 SOURCES] The Raška-Prizren Eparchy warned that the Kosovo Police has not built the trust or capacity required to take over security from KFOR.
[● 14 SOURCES] The integration process will be gradual and based on security conditions. nin.rs · www.epokaere.com · www.mesazhi.com · vreme.com · balkaninsight.com · +3 more
[● 6 SOURCES] Srpska Lista opposes the reduction of KFOR presence on the main bridge in Mitrovica and has requested an urgent meeting with KFOR Commander Ozkan Ulutash. www.epokaere.com · javanews.al · balkaninsight.com · www.aktuality.sk
[● 17 SOURCES] KFOR has begun a gradual transition of its permanent presence from the main bridge over the Ibër river in Mitrovica. www.epokaere.com · www.mesazhi.com · javanews.al · www.voal.ch · 24-ore.com · +7 more
[● 4 SOURCES] Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that authorities are considering changing the course of the Ibar river in response to actions in northern Kosovo. www.tportal.hr · jedinstvo.rs · www.nedeljnik.rs · sandzacke.rs
[● 2 SOURCES] The European Union warned Serbia that statements regarding changing the course of the Ibar river should be avoided to prevent hindering normalization. www.tportal.hr · www.nedeljnik.rs
[● 5 SOURCES] Kosovo Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla welcomed the gradual withdrawal of KFOR from the Mitrovica bridge as a positive development for regional security. 24-ore.com · aktuale.mk
[● 7 SOURCES] Kosovo Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla welcomed the gradual withdrawal of KFOR from the Mitrovica bridge as a positive development. 24-ore.com · aktuale.mk · www.drini.us