The recent surge of violence in the region has raised concerns about a potential resurgence of the 1998-1999 conflict in Kosovo, a devastating period that claimed over 10,000 lives, displaced more than 1 million people, and necessitated a long-standing NATO peacekeeping mission that spans almost a quarter of a century.

The clashes originated from a confrontation that unfolded last week when ethnic Albanian officials, elected in heavily boycotted votes by Serbs, entered municipal buildings to assume their positions. As Serbs attempted to obstruct their entry, Kosovo police resorted to tear gas to disperse the crowd. Further violence ensued on Monday as Serbs clashed not only with the police but also with NATO peacekeepers.

“KFOR, the NATO forces, will take all necessary actions to maintain a safe and secure environment for all citizens in Kosovo. And we will continue to act impartially, in line with our United Nations mandate. We have decided to deploy 700 more troops from the operational reserve force for Western Balkans,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said

“These are prudent steps to ensure that KFOR has the forces and capabilities it needs to fulfill its mandate,” added Stoltenberg, who made the announcement in Oslo after talks with the Norwegian prime minister.

The current NATO-led peacekeeping mission in the region, known as KFOR, consists of nearly 3,800 troops. The reinforcement of troops aims to address the ongoing violence and restore stability to the affected area. (ILKHA)