NATO has stated that the gradual change of the permanent KFOR presence at the main bridge over the Ibar River in Mitrovica will be based on security developments and may be restored if the situation requires it.
The alliance emphasizes that any decision to open the bridge to vehicle traffic must take into account the needs of all local communities. According to NATO, the reorganization of KFOR's presence is part of the optimization of the mission and is being developed in line with the improvement of the security situation in Kosovo.
NATO has also confirmed that Secretary General Mark Rutte is in regular contact with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
KFOR continues to monitor the situation on the ground and, despite the changes in positioning, NATO emphasizes that it maintains a strong and visible presence in northern Kosovo, including areas where the Serbian community lives. The alliance clarified that KFOR does not have a law enforcement mandate, but cooperates closely with the Kosovo Police and other security institutions.
