Military Space News
SUPERPOWERS
NATO beefs up Kosovo security ahead of tense vote
NATO beefs up Kosovo security ahead of tense vote
by AFP Staff Writers
Pristina (AFP) Jan 18, 2025

NATO on Saturday said it had strengthened its peacekeeping force in Kosovo amid mounting tensions ahead of parliamentary elections early next month.

The Western military alliance said the 200 additional Italian soldiers would further buttress the NATO-led KFOR force in the coming months.

"Today, Italian troops from KFOR's reserves completed their arrival ... reinforcing KFOR's presence in Kosovo," a press release said.

KFOR consists of approximately 4,500 troops provided by 29 Allied and partner countries.

NATO said the newly-arrived "Italian mechanised infantry brigade 'Sassari', will carry out a range of activities, together with KFOR troops".

The force "will be deployed in response to any relevant developments in the security situation including during the election period."

Kosovo's political parties are on the campaign trail ahead of the February 9 parliamentary election.

On Wednesday, Kosovo authorities raided and closed 10 Belgrade-linked local government offices in ethnic Serb areas -- the latest move to dismantle the so-called parallel system of social services and political offices financed by Serbia's government inside Kosovo.

In the past year, Kosovo authorities have effectively outlawed the Serbian dinar, closed banks that relied on the currency and shuttered post offices where pension payments could be cashed.

Kosovo Serbs can no longer drive cars with Serbia plates and must have local driving licences.

Belgrade and representatives of the ethnic Serbs condemned the move, blaming the Kosovo government for exercising pressure on the Serb minority to prevent them from voting in the February election.

The KFOR international peacekeeper mission was launched to maintain security and freedom of movement in Kosovo after a bloody 1998-1999 war between independence-seeking ethnic Albanians and Serbian armed force.

A decade after the war, Pristina declared independence, which Serbia and the Kosovo Serb minority do not recognise.

Related Links
Learn about the Superpowers of the 21st Century at SpaceWar.com
Learn about nuclear weapons doctrine and defense at SpaceWar.com

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
SUPERPOWERS
EU, UK, NATO leaders to hold Feb 3 defence talks
Brussels, Belgium (AFP) Jan 13, 2025
EU leaders will gather in Belgium on February 3 for an exceptional defence "retreat" involving Britain's prime minister and NATO's secretary general, two weeks after Donald Trump returns to the White House. The talks will come at a crucial juncture, with key Ukraine backers Britain and the EU warily eyeing Trump's promises to put a swift end to the conflict after taking power on January 20. Trump has also demanded NATO members raise their defence spending. "Europe needs to assume greater respons ... read more

SUPERPOWERS
RTX's Raytheon secures $529 million contract to bolster Dutch Patriot air defense system

Israel intercepts missiles fired from Yemen

Northrop Grumman approved for NGI target vehicle production

Israel army says intercepted missile fired from Yemen

SUPERPOWERS
Kyiv says Ukraine missiles hit army radars in Russia

North Korea fires short-range ballistic missiles into sea

CENTCOM conducts first attack targeting Houthi rebels of 2025

Israel military says missile from Yemen intercepted

SUPERPOWERS
Germany plans to allow army to shoot down suspicious drones

L3Harris showcases robotic drone detection capability for US Army

German police probe drone sightings over military sites

Britain-led coalition to send Ukraine 30K drones

SUPERPOWERS
Controversy in Italy over potential deal with Musk's SpaceX

Quadsat and NATO NCIA validate Quadsat system for WGS compliance testing

ESA to support development of secure EU communications satellite constellation

IRIS2 contract signed to strengthen Europe's space connectivity and security

SUPERPOWERS
Spain pledges 10 million euros for Lebanon army

Swiss to mull conscripting women

US pledges $117 mn in aid to Lebanon military

US. unveils $500M in military aid at final Ukraine defense summit before Trump takes office

SUPERPOWERS
Sen. Joni Ernst says she'll vote to confirm Hegseth as defense secretary

Upping defence spending 'key point' for NATO summit: ministers

Cyprus hails new access to US defence goods

Europe to boost joint defence under Trump, German minister says; But Spanish PM says must avoid 'arms race'

SUPERPOWERS
Polish PM vows commitment to US ties despite 'objective difficulties'

Russia PM meets Vietnam president, Xi hails 'historical opportunity' for China-Sri Lanka

Philippines' Marcos hopeful strong alliance with US will continue

Trump, Xi speak by phone, vow improved ties despite threats

SUPERPOWERS
Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.