UK deploys 200 more to Kosovo for NATO peacekeeping mission

UK forces will deploy to NATO’s peacekeeping mission in Kosovo following a request from NATO.

The decision follows on from the violent attack on Kosovo Police in northern Kosovo on September 24 and increasing tensions in the region, Caliber.Az reports via the UK government's website.

Following a request from Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and approval by the North Atlantic Council, the UK will deploy around 200 soldiers in the coming days to join the 400-strong British contingent already in the country as part of an annual exercise. 

The British Army unit has been assigned to the NATO Commander of the Kosovo Force following a specific request from the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, “SACEUR”, US General Chris Cavoli. 

This deployment is a testament to the leadership and agility of UK defence, this deployment will provide strength and expertise to NATO, as part of our pivotal and unwavering commitment to the alliance, the UK government says.

A Kosovo police officer was killed last on September 24 in an ambush in the north of Kosovo, where Serbs are in the majority in several towns.

A shoot-out ensued between the Kosovo police special forces and heavily armed Serbs.

It marked one of the most serious escalations in Kosovo in recent years.

Serbia refuses to recognise the independence of its former southern province, which has an Albanian majority, a decade after a deadly war between Kosovo independence guerrillas and Serbian forces, which ended after a NATO bombing campaign.