Serbian Army Reduces Troop Numbers on Kosovo Border Following Shooting Incident
The Serbian army has made the decision to significantly decrease the number of troops stationed on the border with Kosovo, easing fears of a mass military buildup in the region. This move comes after a shooting incident over a week ago resulted in the deaths of four individuals, leading to concerns about the stability of the volatile area.
According to top Serbian military officials, the current troop numbers stand at approximately 4,500 soldiers, a reduction from the 8,350 that were deployed in response to the violence on September 24 in northern Kosovo. The Serbian Army Chief of Staff Gen. Milan Mojsilovic assured the public that the army had not raised its combat readiness and therefore did not warrant the critical comments made by US and European Union officials.
In defense against allegations made by Kosovo officials, Mojsilovic stated that the Serbian army did not train or arm the group of approximately 30 men involved in the shootout in Banjska, a village in northern Kosovo. While the army’s training does involve Serb reservists from Kosovo, they were not a part of the clashes that took place.
In response, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti accused the Serbian state of providing full support and planning to the attackers, claiming that the incident was part of a wider plan to annex the north of Kosovo. However, Mojsilovic labeled these accusations as an intellectual insult.
The incident in Banjska has raised concerns in the West about possible instability in the Balkans, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In an effort to normalize relations between Serbia and Kosovo, US and EU officials have been engaged in negotiations. The European Commission has expressed deep concern over the military buildup near Kosovo and called for an immediate cessation, while urging Serbia to cooperate fully in the investigation into the incident.
NATO, which has a peacekeeping presence in Kosovo comprising approximately 4,500 troops from 27 nations, has not yet commented on the Serbian army’s reduction in troop numbers. However, the organization did announce the deployment of an additional 200 British troops to Kosovo in response to the crisis, with further reinforcements anticipated from other Allies.
Reiterating the Serbian army’s cooperation with KFOR (Kosovo Force), Defense Minister Milos Vucevic stated that additional presence of KFOR units, especially in areas where Serbs reside, would enhance the security situation. Vucevic also mentioned that if the army received an order from the President to enter Kosovo as part of the Republic of Serbia, they would carry out the task efficiently and professionally, while informing KFOR in advance.
Concerns have been raised about possible Russian involvement in the violence, given Serbia’s close alliance with Russia. The West fears that Moscow may attempt to instigate trouble in the Balkans to divert attention from the conflict in Ukraine. Serbia maintains that the insurgents were local ethnic Serbs who had been enduring constant harassment from the Kosovo government. Furthermore, they claim that at least one of the killed insurgents was executed after being injured, rather than dying in the fighting.
The situation in the Balkans remains tense, with international actors urging restraint and diplomatic resolutions. The reduction in troop numbers by the Serbian army is seen as a step towards deescalating tensions and promoting stability in the region.
