In a recent turn of events, the Serbian military has retreated from the border with Kosovo, following accusations of provocation. These developments unfolded after Prime Minister Albin Kurti expressed concerns during a press conference hours after releasing alarming footage depicting the movement of armed Serbian forces near the border, specifically in the vicinity of the village of Banje in Zubin Potok and the village of Oslare in Bujanovac, Radio Free Europe reports.
 |
| Kosovo special troops in North Kosovo (archive) |
The head of the Kosovo government stated that they were closely monitoring the movements of the Serbian army and were in constant contact with partners such as NATO and KFOR. "We are attentively observing whether they intend to cross the border. Firstly, in situations like these where security could be compromised as military vehicles are stationed just a few meters from the border, we are closely monitoring whether they intend to cross it. There is continuous communication between the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, and the Kosovo Intelligence Agency. This means everything is under surveillance and in a preparatory state of readiness for any surprises that may occur. Meanwhile, these institutions also inform our international partners, including KFOR, EULEX, as well as NATO and the EU above. Until 16:00, there is no evidence that they have approached again today. They are conducting some military exercises, but they are not within 10 meters of the border. So, they are coming into the security zone, where practically there is no need even for drones or binoculars to see each other."
He mentioned that authorities had noticed the movement of troops along the border, remained vigilant as to whether they would cross it or not, but Serbian forces refrained from doing so. In response, NATO's peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, KFOR, stated on Friday that the security situation in the north is calm yet fragile, urging both Kosovo and Serbia to refrain from escalatory and provocative rhetoric.
"Our aim is to prevent escalation, and we are ready and equipped to take all measures to fulfill our UN mandate, to ensure a secure environment for all people living in Kosovo, as well as freedom of movement," KFOR asserted in its statement, adding that they have tripled the number of border patrols.
These recent events highlight the delicate balance of power and the underlying tensions that persist between Kosovo and Serbia. The prompt response from Kosovo's leadership and the involvement of international peacekeeping forces underscore the commitment to maintaining stability and preventing any potential flare-ups along the border. As the situation continues to evolve, diplomatic efforts and proactive measures will be crucial in averting further escalations and fostering long-term peace and security in the region.