No munitions to be stored at NATO multinational battlegroup site in Bulgaria, minister confirms

Bulgaria’s Defence Minister, Atanas Zapryanov, confirmed that only residential, training, and sports facilities will be constructed at the site designated for a NATO Multinational Battlegroup in the Kabile military area, located near Yambol in Southeast Bulgaria.

Zapryanov made the statement during a hearing at the National Assembly, Caliber.Az reports via Bulgarian media.

He reassured the public that all munitions would be stored in Bulgarian warehouses located away from populated areas and military barracks. “There are no plans to store munitions or other hazardous materials,” Zapryanov emphasized.

The Minister explained that the battalion will consist of around 3,000 personnel and will be stationed near the existing barracks, utilizing the training grounds of the units already based in Kabile.

On the topic of funding for the necessary infrastructure, Zapryanov revealed that Bulgaria is currently in talks with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency. The overall cost of the project will be determined following these negotiations.

In March 2024, nearly 3,000 signatures were submitted to the regional administration, opposing the establishment of the NATO Multinational Battlegroup near Yambol.

By Vafa Guliyeva