The Commander of KFOR, Turkish Major General Oezkan Ulutaş, spoke about optimizing the KFOR presence in Kosovo. Ulutaş reiterated that this process, as such, will be carried out gradually and by analyzing the security situation, but that the troops can return if developments require it.
Ulutashi stated that after the attack in Banjska, additional troops were deployed to Kosovo, but after the attacks on NATO soldiers in May 2023 and after Banjska, there have been no more incidents of their magnitude.
"I am not in a position to disclose operational details. This is essential to maintain the effectiveness and deterrence of KFOR. However, I can tell you that we will continue to monitor any relevant security developments and will always ensure that our mission is properly positioned and capable of fulfilling its task. As I have said before, the process of optimizing KFOR's presence is based on a careful analysis of several security indicators. It will be developed gradually and in accordance with the conditions on the ground, while it may be restored if security developments require it," Ulutash said in an interview with KosovaPress.
The reduction of KFOR's presence, according to Ulutash, should be seen as a positive indicator in terms of security. He stated that the Western Balkans are of strategic importance to NATO and as such, a security vacuum will not be allowed to be created.
“For 27 years, KFOR has been a pillar of security in Kosovo and a key factor in regional stability. The fact that we are now optimizing our presence is a positive indicator that the security environment is, in general, stable. However, NATO and KFOR remain fully committed to security in Kosovo. The Western Balkans is a region of strategic importance for the Alliance, while its security is directly linked to the security of the Euro-Atlantic area. NATO will not allow the creation of a security vacuum,” Ulutash declared.
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Regarding the attack in Banjska, Ulutash said that KFOR reacted with the necessary speed and "in full compliance with its long-term UN mandate and according to established procedures and protocols."
Ulutash said that, however, there are some unresolved issues that could have an impact on security and, therefore, need to be addressed. He also spoke about the importance of dialogue.
"Incendiary rhetoric and the continued use of disinformation are among our concerns, given the impact they can have on the security environment. For this reason, KFOR remains vigilant and well-positioned throughout Kosovo. KFOR will continue to do what it is mandated to do. However, I want to make it clear that the path to sustainable security is political, not military. For this reason, KFOR will continue to play its role within the broader NATO efforts to support the advancement of the European Union-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. This dialogue is the framework for addressing all outstanding issues and for achieving solutions that fully respect the rights of all communities," Ulutash declared.
Ulutash assessed the security situation in the north of the country as calm and added that they have communication and coordination with Serbia.
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The KFOR Commander said that although cooperation with Serbia has contributed to maintaining regional stability, they are prepared in case Kosovo faces another case similar to what happened in Banjska and Zvecan.
“I do not want to speculate. As military personnel, we never take anything for granted and are always prepared for any scenario. For this reason, KFOR regularly conducts activities to improve the skills of our personnel and maintain the highest operational standards. However, I can say with conviction that the security situation has continued to improve over the past years. KFOR’s daily efforts – which I described above – have undoubtedly played an important role in this regard. We must now build on this progress and ensure that the hard-won achievements are preserved. For this reason, we will continue to ensure that KFOR maintains an effective operational presence on the ground,” Ulutash told KosovaPress.
