[REVISION HISTORY]

KFOR leadership transition and Ibër Bridge status

Updated 23 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-15 18:26 UTC → 2026-09-25 16:50 UTC · added ~~removed~~

KFOR has continued its gradual reduction of permanent military presence at the Ibër Bridge in Mitrovica, transitioning responsibilities to the Kosovo Police. While the Kosovo Police have taken primary responsibility for security in the area, the bridge remains closed to vehicular traffic. Decisions regarding its reopening rest with the European Union and relevant Kosovar institutions. In a related security development, Kosovo Police and the Special Prosecutor's Office arrested a suspect, identified as I. M., in Zvečan. The individual is suspected of involvement in the May 2023 unrest that injured 93 KFOR and Kosovo Police personnel, facing charges including assault against an official and endangering persons under international protection. KFOR’s leadership transition remains on track, with Italian Major General Roberto Vergori and Turkish Brigadier General Onur Çakıcı designated as the incoming commander and deputy commander, respectively. Major General Ozkan Ulutas is expected to complete his second term in mid-October, at which point the formal transfer of authority will conclude. During a recent North Atlantic Council ~~meeting,~~ meetings, Major General Ulutas provided updates on mission efforts to maintain a secure environment and ensure freedom of movement under UN Security Council Resolution 1244. NATO discussed the gradual optimization of KFOR’s presence and structure, noting that this process is based on evolving security conditions and remains reversible if the situation deteriorates. NATO reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability and expressed support for the EU-facilitated dialogue between Kosovo and ~~Serbia as~~ Serbia. In late September, KFOR Chief of Staff Brigadier General Chad Daniels visited North Mitrovica to observe the ~~framework for resolving outstanding issues.~~ activities of the Multinational Specialized Unit (MSU). General Daniels emphasized that long-term stability is built through trust and direct contact with local populations, stating that “security begins with people” and that listening to community needs is essential.

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