KFOR rejects Pristina’s request to deploy Kosovo Security Force to northern Kosovo

The request sought authorization for a “potential” deployment to the affected area, KoSSev reported.

In an emergency briefing, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that Kosovo Prime Minister Kurti had immediately sought KFOR’s permission to send KSF forces north after the explosion, but the request was turned down, reported KoSSev.

The matter of KSF deployment had been on Kurti’s agenda since Friday, when the Kosovo Security Council held a late-night session. During this meeting, officials decided to engage both KSF and Kosovo Police in protecting what they termed “critical infrastructure,” said KoSSev.

Following a visit to Donje Varage village, Kurti inspected static checkpoints and military patrols in the Obilic and Vucitrn regions. He then confirmed that the KSF had been tasked with supporting civil authorities by patrolling and monitoring critical infrastructure points across Kosovo.

However, Kurti did not directly mention any northern deployment of KSF forces, which would require KFOR’s explicit approval under a 2013 agreement, but suggested that having KSF forces in the north would enhance security in the region.

When KoSSev reached out to KFOR to verify the Serbian president’s claims, they received clear confirmation.

Under the 2013 agreement between Kosovo institutions and NATO, Kosovo authorities requested permission from the KFOR commander to potentially deploy KSF units to the affected northern area, said KFOR adding that its commander denied this request based on his security assessment and existing KFOR operations in the area.