# KFOR security presence transition in Kosovo

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/kfor-security-presence-transition-in-kosovo
> Updated: 2026-08-10T11:51:28.000Z. Sources: 22. Developments: 2.

Former Kosovo deputy defence minister Burim Ramadani called for the removal of KFOR’s static presence from the main bridge in Mitrovica, arguing that local institutions now possess the capacity to guarantee safety through patrols and rapid response. He suggested the bridge should serve as a symbol of normalisation rather than a reminder of an extraordinary security situation.

Following these developments, KFOR announced an optimization process involving two major shifts. The mission has begun integrating Kosovo Police personnel into the security architecture at the Visoki Dečani monastery, though KFOR remains the primary responder during this transition. Additionally, KFOR initiated a gradual transition away from its permanent presence on the Ibër river bridge in Mitrovica.

This transition has faced opposition from Srpska Lista, the leading party of Kosovo Serbs. The party expressed concerns regarding regional stability and argued that the Kosovo Police has not yet established the necessary trust or capacity to manage such sensitive locations. KFOR has stated it will maintain a visible presence in northern Kosovo and Mitrovica to ensure security for all communities.

Kosovo’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, has welcomed the optimization, stating it reflects the growing capacity of local security institutions. However, the Belgrade-backed Srpska Lista continues to strongly oppose the reduction of KFOR presence on the Mitrovica bridge, citing decades of ethnic tension. Similarly, regarding the Visoki Dečani monastery, the Raška-Prizren Eparchy has expressed concerns regarding the trust and capacity of the Kosovo Police to manage the site’s protection.

## Claims

- The move is part of a process to optimize KFOR's deployment and presence. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- The integration process will be gradual and based on security conditions. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- KFOR has begun the gradual integration of Kosovo Police personnel into the security architecture of the Visoki Dečani monastery. (corroborated by 10 sources)
- KFOR has begun a gradual transition of its permanent presence from the main bridge over the Ibër river in Mitrovica. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The process is being coordinated with the Serbian Orthodox Church, Kosovo institutions, the Kosovo Police, and EULEX. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- KFOR remains the first responder for the security of the Visoki Dečani monastery. (corroborated by 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. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The Raška-Prizren Eparchy warned that the Kosovo Police has not built the trust or capacity required to take over security from KFOR. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-10: KFOR begins security transitions at Mitrovica bridge and Visoki Dečani monastery

KFOR has begun transitioning its permanent presence from the Mitrovica Ibër bridge and integrating Kosovo Police into the security structure at the Visoki Dečani monastery, citing improved security.

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kfor-begins-integrating-kosovo-police-into-visoki-deani-monastery-security

### 2026-08-04: Burim Ramadani Calls for Removal of KFOR Static Troops from Mitrovica Bridge

Former Kosovo defence deputy minister Burim Ramadani urged the removal of KFOR’s static troops from Mitrovica’s main bridge, saying security conditions have improved and the bridge should symbolize normalising.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/burim-ramadani-calls-for-removal-of-kfor-static-troops-from-mitrovica-bridge

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Cite as: KFOR security presence transition in Kosovo. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/kfor-security-presence-transition-in-kosovo