British soldiers from KFOR’s strategic reserve force deployed in Kosovo

Personnel, vehicles and equipment from the 1st Battalion of the British regiment The Rifles have been deployed in Kosovo. According to KFOR, this is a planned and routine deployment as part of the mission’s Strategic Reserve Force.

The British troops will remain in the country for around six weeks, during which time they will take part in various training activities, NATO’s mission in Kosovo announced.

KFOR said the deployment is part of the United Kingdom’s long-term contribution to the NATO-led peacekeeping mission. “Over the next six weeks, they will conduct several training activities as part of the United Kingdom’s long-term contribution to the NATO-led KFOR mission,” the statement said.

The mission clarified that the battalion’s arrival does not change KFOR’s mandate and is not related to the process launched to optimize its presence, which aims to ensure that the mission remains fit for purpose.

KFOR continues to contribute to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all residents of Kosovo, as well as ensuring freedom of movement. It operates under the long-standing mandate of the United Nations, established by UN Security Council Resolution 1244, adopted in 1999.

The NATO mission stressed that it acts impartially and cooperates closely with the Kosovo Police and the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo, EULEX. The Kosovo Police and EULEX continue to carry out their respective roles and responsibilities as security response actors.

“We continue to contribute to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all people living in Kosovo, as well as ensuring freedom of movement,” KFOR said in its statement.

The deployment of the British troops is part of the United Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to KFOR and, according to the NATO mission, does not change the mandate or nature of the mission in Kosovo.