18 years after landing on the territory of Kosovo as part of the peacekeeping forces of NATO, in the designation KFOR, the Portuguese soldiers have completed their mission, confirmed Lieutenant Colonel Helder Perdigão, chief of staff of the Portuguese Armed Forces (CEMGFA).
"181 soldiers of the Mechanized Infantry Battalion (1BIMec (R)) are starting a withdrawal procession from field operations in Kosovo", said the military official.
This withdrawal of the Portuguese national force was announced last October by the Minister of National Defense, Azeredo Lopes, who had justified the decision with "the change in strategic and operational conditions, that is, the conditions of security and stability in the territory, which are more favorable for a Kosovo with normal development", reports Koha.net.
"The performance of the Portuguese mission is considered exceptional, corresponding to the high standards of NATO, contributing decisively to the social and political stability in the territory of Kosovo", the minister said at the time.
The main mission of the Portuguese army has been "to carry out operations throughout the territory of Kosovo" in order to "create and maintain a safe and stable environment and to ensure freedom of movement for all citizens", said Hélder Perdigão.
Portugal joined NATO ground operations in July 1999.