Enhancing the professional capabilities of the Kosovo Security Force for peacekeeping operations remains one of the Ministry of Defense’s main priorities, acting Minister Ejup Maqedonci has said.

In a Facebook post, Maqedonci announced that Major Driton Haxhiaj had successfully completed the Peacekeeping Operations Contingent Commander Course. The course was organized in Tokyo, Japan, by the Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center for United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.

“One of the Ministry of Defense’s priorities is to enhance the KSF’s professional capabilities in the field of peacekeeping operations,” Maqedonci wrote.

According to him, the successful completion of the course marks an important step in the professional advancement of KSF personnel, as well as in preparing them for international deployments.

Maqedonci reiterated that Major Driton Haxhiaj had successfully completed the Peacekeeping Operations Contingent Commander Course, held by the Japan Peacekeeping Training and Research Center for United Nations Peacekeeping Operations in Tokyo, Japan.

He said the experience and knowledge gained during the training would help further strengthen the leadership skills and professional preparedness of KSF personnel.

“Through this training, the leadership skills and professional preparedness of KSF personnel for participation in international peace operations are further enhanced,” Maqedonci concluded.

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A specialized training on directing ranges and supervising firing lines was conducted by the Doctrine and Training Command (DTC) within the Kosovo Security Force. The main goal was to strengthen the professional skills of personnel in organizing and executing weapon exercises.

According to an official communication from the KSF, the program aims to equip military personnel to competently lead ranges and control the firing line. This is done by strictly adhering to standard protocols, thereby ensuring a higher level of safety and productivity during training sessions and live-fire exercises.

This program directly contributes to improving the operational readiness of troops, preparing them to conduct training activities in a controlled and efficient manner within dedicated facilities.

The KSF announces that the Doctrine and Training Command remains engaged in the cycle of continuous professional education. This initiative aims to deepen expertise and increase the level of preparation of personnel to successfully fulfill military missions.

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A fierce fire that engulfed the waste landfill in the village of Sferkë, municipality of Peja, has prompted the Kosovo Security Force to dispatch its specialized teams to the scene to manage the situation.

Following an official request from the Situation Center at the Secretariat of the Kosovo Security Council, the KSF Operational Center conducted a rapid assessment of the threat and the possibilities to react efficiently.

According to the official statement, after completing the necessary analysis, Lieutenant General Bashkim Jashari, Commander of the KSF, ordered the mobilization of troops. As a result, specialized units of the National Guard were deployed on the ground with all necessary equipment to intervene in this emergency.

The main mission of the operation, which began without delay, was to encircle the flames to stop their spread, and to prevent dangerous environmental pollution and potential risks to the health of residents in the area.

The Kosovo Security Force announced that its personnel are coordinating actions closely with central and local institutions, civil emergency teams, and the community itself, aiming to restore normal conditions as quickly as possible.

In its statement, the KSF reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to assist the citizens of Kosovo, in full accordance with its responsibilities and institutional purpose.

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Acting Minister of Defence Ejup Maqedonci said the event aims to expand international cooperation and enhance military aviation capabilities.

The conference programme included professional lectures, thematic discussions and group work. Representatives of partner countries had the opportunity to share their experiences, best practices and expertise on air operations and capacity development.

As part of the event, participants also visited Kuçova Air Base in the Republic of Albania. During the visit, they learned about the capabilities and developments of this important air infrastructure and took part in activities aimed at strengthening partnerships and professional cooperation.

According to Maqedonci, the KSF’s participation in the conference reflects its continued commitment to enhancing professional skills, increasing interoperability and deepening cooperation with strategic partners, with the aim of building a modern force capable of contributing to regional and international security.

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He stressed that the process is being carried out in full coordination with the ISF command.

The minister noted that four KSF personnel have already been integrated into the operation’s headquarters, where they will contribute in the areas of planning, coordination and support of field actions.

Maqedonci added that the rest of the unit has finalized all preparatory phases, both operationally and logistically. After detailed coordination with the ISF Headquarters, the troops will head towards Gaza to begin carrying out their duties within this international mission.

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As the KSF announced on Facebook, the training aimed to equip members with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of combat engineering. It included the construction of field fortifications, demolitions, crossing water obstacles, detecting and clearing obstacles, as well as the use of engineering equipment.

“The training was carried out in line with professional standards, focusing on the development of participants’ technical skills, discipline, teamwork and operational readiness.

The successful completion of this course represents an important step in enhancing the professional capacities of KSF personnel and contributes to increasing the readiness of units to fulfill their missions,” the KSF post said.

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Acting Minister of Defense Ejup Maqedonci announced that the KSF was also involved in this inter-institutional exercise.

“The purpose of the exercise was to test operational procedures, communication and coordination among the institutions responsible for security and emergency response, with the aim of strengthening readiness and increasing effectiveness in dealing with various situations.

The Kosovo Security Force took part with units from the National Guard for Search and Rescue, EOD, and medical teams, which demonstrated professionalism, high readiness and advanced operational capabilities during the execution of their tasks.

KFOR, the Kosovo Police, the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and EULEX were also part of the exercise, reflecting the importance of inter-institutional cooperation and cooperation with international partners in strengthening emergency response capacities,” Maqedonci wrote on Facebook.

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According to KFOR, KSF personnel also took part in the exercise, while the training served to test the implementation of capacities, skills and procedures in crisis management across several complex security scenarios, including cases involving the safe handling and disposal of explosive devices and hazardous materials.

On July 2 and 3, 2026, personnel from the NATO-led mission in Kosovo (KFOR), the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), the Kosovo Police (KP) and the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) carried out joint training activities as part of the “Golden Sword 2026” exercise.

The exercise was organized at the Camp Vrelo training area in Prishtina and aimed to test the implementation of capacities, skills and procedures for crisis management in a range of complex security situations, including those related to the safe handling and disposal of explosive devices and hazardous materials.

Personnel from the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) also took part in this activity, in line with its original civil protection mandate.

KFOR stressed that it continues to implement its mandate, based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999, with the aim of contributing to a safe environment for all citizens living in Kosovo and guaranteeing freedom of movement, at all times and impartially. KFOR also operates in close coordination with the Kosovo Police and the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX), in line with their respective roles as security responders.

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Their graduation ceremony was held at the “Adem Jashari” barracks, where the role they are expected to play as the future leaders of Kosovo’s army was emphasized.

The news was announced by Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

He said this is a day of pride for the state, as some of the future leaders of our army graduated at the barracks that bear the name of the KLA’s commander-in-chief, Adem Jashari.

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Before the event began, Acting President Albulena Haxhiu, together with the Commander of the Kosovo Security Force, Lieutenant General Bashkim Jashari, welcomed Prime Minister Albin Kurti.

With this ceremony, the cadets are marking the completion of their military education and the beginning of their professional journey in service of the country. During the event, speeches were scheduled from institutional leaders and KSF officials, while the cadets were to receive their diplomas and take the oath to serve the Republic of Kosovo.

In her remarks, Acting President Albulena Haxhiu said that Kosovo’s membership in NATO remains a strategic objective of the state, while emphasizing that the KSF is building professional capacities in line with the highest Euro-Atlantic standards.

She underlined that the war of the Kosovo Liberation Army and the sacrifice of the family of the legendary commander Adem Jashari are the foundations of Kosovo’s freedom, while calling on the young officers to carry out their duty with honesty, integrity, and responsibility.

“This day belongs first and foremost, of course, to you, cadets. It belongs to your families, whom I thank from the bottom of my heart for the effort, discipline, and upbringing they have given you. It belongs to the academy that prepared you and to the Kosovo Security Force, which today welcomes into its ranks young officers prepared for the greatest responsibilities of their lives,” she said.

According to Haxhiu, graduation completes an important stage of their formation and opens a new phase of responsibility for the young officers, who over the past four years have gone through a full academic and military process.

“Dear cadets, and from today, young officers. With your graduation, an important chapter of your formation comes to an end and an extraordinary responsibility begins as officers of the Republic. Four years ago, you began this journey with dreams, ambitions, and an unwavering will to serve the homeland. During these years, through the integrated academic and military program, you have gained university-level knowledge and at the same time undergone military education, training, and formation at the Defense Academy of the Kosovo Security Force. The formation you have received has instilled discipline and a clear understanding of the responsibility an officer bears. Modern equipment, technology, and new standards have raised expectations for people who know how to think clearly, remain calm, and act quickly and with integrity,” she said.

She added that military rank is not simply a decoration on a uniform, but a burden of responsibility that must be proven through professionalism and integrity.

“The ranks you will wear on your shoulders from today are not merely decoration on your uniform. An officer earns trust through conduct, honesty, care for the people entrusted to them, and a willingness to take responsibility even when decisions may be difficult,” she said.

Speaking at the ceremony as well, Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti said that in the next mandate the aim is to invest 1 billion euros in defense, build an ammunition factory, and increase the participation of girls in the army.

He said that alongside investments and modern equipment, the most important foundation of the army remains soldiers who are trained and devoted to the homeland.

“From today, you are not only young officers, but also the future leaders of our army. During these four years, you have experienced difficulties, challenged yourselves, and been compelled to achieve results. During this period, you have been imbued with high values, values that will accompany you in every duty you will have as officers of the Republic. The Government of Kosovo during these years has placed defense among its main priorities,” Kurti said.

According to him, building a modern army cannot be achieved only through the purchase of military equipment.

“This is the essential component of the Security Force. To have an army that is prepared, trained, and equipped with modern equipment is not enough if our army is not distinguished by devoted people who love the homeland more than themselves,” he said.

Kurti announced major investments in defense during the next mandate.

“In the next mandate, we will invest 1 billion euros, we will have 1,000 girls as part of our army. We will have our own factory for the production of ammunition, we will have our own ammunition, but most importantly, we will continue to have soldiers who are more prepared and more educated than ever before, because these girls are precisely part of our army,” he said.

Also addressing the ceremony was the commander of the Center for University Studies, Major Mimoza Buteci, who gave the cadets messages on how they should carry out their profession.

She said that officers must place the interests of the state and the institution above personal interests.

“You chose to place the interests of others, the needs of the institution and others before your own personal needs and interests. Therefore, do not forget that duty, honor, and the homeland must be your guides before every decision you make as leaders of the army,” Buteci said.

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