NATO KFOR mission: United Kingdom deploys peacekeeping forces to Kosovo

2 October, 2023 Soldiers from the 1st Battalion of the rifle regiment. Photo by UK MoD The United Kingdom is deploying armed forces to Kosovo as part of a NATO peacekeeping mission due to rising tensions in the northern part of the country.

The official website of the British government reported on this. The deployment of UK forces began after an attack on local police in northern Kosovo on September 24, increasing tensions in the region. The deployment of UK troops was officially approved by the North Atlantic Council as part of the KFOR peacekeeping mission.

A British Army Gurkha unit on patrol in Kosovo as part of the KFOR mission.

Photo credits: MoD UK

The UK will deploy around 200 soldiers from the 1st Battalion of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment in the coming days to join the 400-strong British contingent already in the country as part of an annual exercise. The battalion will be placed under the direct command of the NATO Force Commander in Kosovo, who is responsible for the peacekeeping mission. "The deployment of the 1st Battalion of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment demonstrates the responsiveness of the UK's Armed Forces.

We continue to be a fundamental part of the NATO alliance, sharing our military expertise and strength," Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, said. Launched in 1999, the NATO peacekeeping mission KFOR continues to this day. In addition to Kosovo itself, 26 countries have deployed troops in the country and the region to maintain order in the country and in the region.

British troops on their way to Kosovo.

Photo credits: MoD UK

In May 2023, the United Kingdom received a commitment to support the peacekeeping force in Kosovo to ensure its effective operation. Defense Secretary James Heappey announced that the United Kingdom will continue participating in NATO's mission until at least 2026. As Militarnyi previously reported, Turkey would send an additional military unit to Kosovo at NATO's request.

This decision was made in response to a request from the Allied Joint Force Command Naples.