NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg addressed a press briefing in Oslo, outlining plans for an expanded NATO presence in Kosovo. He stated that 700 additional troops would be drawn from the operational reserve to Kosovo, and that an extra battalion would be placed on a higher state of readiness to support the mission. He emphasized that every possible measure would be taken to ensure the Alliance Force in Kosovo can carry out its duties effectively and safely. [citation]
The Secretary General confirmed reports that 30 NATO personnel were wounded in the recent Kosovo events that began on March 26. He condemned attacks on NATO forces as unacceptable and urged an immediate end to hostilities. [citation]
Stoltenberg reaffirmed previous commitments that NATO would deploy an additional multinational battalion to Kosovo to bolster the ground operations of the Kosovo Force (KFOR). He highlighted the alliance’s intent to maintain a robust, flexible posture to respond to evolving requirements on the ground. [citation]
Earlier in the week, thousands of Kosovo Serbs gathered in the northern municipalities to protest police and government actions, calling for the withdrawal of police and the recall of Kosovo Albanian mayors. NATO KFOR units were deployed to the municipal centers of Zvechan, Leposavich, and Zubin Potok to enforce order as tensions rose. Local Kosovo police forces were present, and clashes erupted around 17:00 local time as residents confronted security personnel. [citation]
The developments underscore the complex security dynamics in the region and the role of international forces in stabilizing hotspots while political processes continue. The alliance remains focused on ensuring a secure environment for civilians and on supporting the rule of law through a measured and coordinated approach. [citation]