NATO Plans to Adjust Kosovo Peacekeeping Mission Due to Stable Security Situation

NATO is planning to modify its peacekeeping mission in Kosovo in response to the territory's stable security situation. The alliance expects to gradually reduce the number of soldiers deployed there in accordance with rotational deployments scheduled through next year. The Kosovo Force (KFOR), NATO's peacekeeping mission established in 1999 following the conflict between Serbian forces and ethnic Albanian separatists, has maintained stability in Kosovo since the territory declared independence from Serbia in 2008. The planned reduction reflects NATO's assessment that security conditions have improved sufficiently to allow for a smaller international military presence.