The NATO-led mission has begun the gradual withdrawal of its permanent presence from the main bridge in Kosovska Mitrovica, with the Chief of the Serbian General Staff, Milan Mojsilović, being regularly informed of the process.
Kosovo Police on Monday, August 10, 2026, took control of the main bridge over the Ibar River in Kosovska Mitrovica, ending a 27-year period during which international missions were responsible for security at this symbolically significant location. The bridge divides the city into a northern part with a Serb-majority population and a southern part dominated by Albanians.
Simultaneously, the NATO-led KFOR mission confirmed that it has begun the gradual process of withdrawing its permanent presence from the bridge. KFOR told N1 that this is part of a process of optimizing force posture, driven by the improved security situation in Kosovo.
"In line with the improved security situation in Kosovo, this is part of the process of optimizing KFOR's posture and presence. This process will be gradual, based on conditions on the ground, and will be carefully coordinated with all relevant actors, including representatives of institutions in Kosovo and international organizations, as well as representatives of the Kosovo Police and EULEX," KFOR stated.
The mission emphasized that the Chief of the Serbian General Staff, General Milan Mojsilović, has been regularly informed about the developments. This move signals efforts to maintain transparency with Belgrade, despite the sensitive nature of the change in the security architecture on the ground.
Although withdrawing from the bridge, KFOR stated that it will maintain a visible presence in both the southern and northern parts of Mitrovica, as well as throughout northern Kosovo. "Our personnel are deployed and ready to respond to any relevant events, in accordance with KFOR's long-standing mandate derived from the United Nations mandate. KFOR will maintain a visible presence in the southern and northern parts of Mitrovica, as well as in northern Kosovo, continuing to contribute to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all communities," the mission's response reads.
KFOR continues to operate under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 from 1999, aiming to ensure a safe environment and freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo, impartially and in close cooperation with the Kosovo Police and the EULEX mission (European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo).
