KFOR begins security transitions at Mitrovica bridge and Visoki Dečani monastery
The NATO-led KFOR mission has announced two major security transitions in Kosovo, citing an improved security environment.
First, KFOR has begun a gradual transition of its permanent presence from the main bridge over the Ibër river in Mitrovica. This process is intended to optimize KFOR's deployment and will be coordinated with the Kosovo Police, EULEX, and local institutions. Kosovo's Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, welcomed the move, stating it reflects the growing capacity of local security institutions. However, the Belgrade-backed Srpska Lista party has strongly opposed the reduction of KFOR presence on the bridge, citing decades of ethnic tension and expressing deep mistrust in the Kosovo Police's ability to maintain security.
Second, KFOR has initiated the gradual integration of Kosovo Police personnel into the security architecture at the Visoki Dečani monastery. This transition is being conducted in close coordination with the Serbian Orthodox Church and international organizations. While KFOR remains the primary responder for the monastery's security, the Raška-Prizren Eparchy has previously expressed concerns regarding the trust and capacity of the Kosovo Police to manage the site's protection.
Entities
EULEX · KFOR · Kosovo Police · Mitrovica · NATO · Serbian Orthodox Church · Srpska Lista · Visoki Dečani monastery
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 8 SOURCES] The process is being coordinated with the Serbian Orthodox Church, Kosovo institutions, the Kosovo Police, and EULEX. gazeta10.com · nova.rs · nin.rs · www.arbresh.info · www.epokaere.com · +2 more
- [● 13 SOURCES] The move is part of a process to optimize KFOR's deployment and presence. gazeta10.com · nova.rs · nin.rs · www.arbresh.info · www.epokaere.com · +7 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] KFOR remains the first responder for the security of the Visoki Dečani monastery. gazeta10.com · nova.rs · nin.rs · www.dan.co.me
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Raška-Prizren Eparchy warned that the Kosovo Police has not built the trust or capacity required to take over security from KFOR. nova.rs
- [● 11 SOURCES] The integration process will be gradual and based on security conditions. gazeta10.com · nova.rs · nin.rs · www.arbresh.info · www.epokaere.com · +5 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] KFOR has begun the gradual integration of Kosovo Police personnel into the security architecture of the Visoki Dečani monastery. gazeta10.com · nova.rs · nin.rs · www.epokaere.com · www.dan.co.me · +3 more
- [● 5 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.danas.rs · www.epokaere.com · javanews.al · www.kurir.rs · balkaninsight.com
- [● 9 SOURCES] KFOR has begun a gradual transition of its permanent presence from the main bridge over the Ibër river in Mitrovica. www.arbresh.info · www.epokaere.com · www.mesazhi.com · javanews.al · www.voal.ch · +4 more