Over 130 additional NATO troops arrive in Kosovo

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) – More than 130 additional troops from Romania have arrived in Kosovo to further reinforce NATO's Kosovo Force (KFOR) peacekeeping mission, the alliance said on Saturday.

The troops arrived on Friday, NATO said in a statement, adding that the stationing was made in addition to 200 British soldiers deployed earlier this month.

"The deployment of these additional troops comes after the violent attack on Kosovo Police on 24 September and increased tensions in the region," the military alliance said.

It added: "These deployments are a prudent step to ensure KFOR has the forces it needs to fulfil its UN mandate to maintain a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all people in Kosovo."

Under UN Security Council Resolution 1244, NATO has led a peacekeeping mission in Kosovo since 1999. Currently, KFOR has more than 4,500 troops contributed by 27 NATO allies and partners.