The Government of the Republic of Kosova is following closely and with great vigilance the latest developments regarding the movement of military units of Serbia’s Armed Forces toward the border with the Republic of Kosova.
The movements of the Serbian Army have been in three different directions; units of the Second Brigade of the Serbian Army have moved from the direction of Rashka in the direction of the northern border of our country; units of the Third Brigade of the Serbian Army have moved from the region of Nish in the direction of the northeast border of our country; and the units of the Fourth Brigade have moved from the region of Vranja in the direction of the eastern border of the Republic of Kosova.
Yesterday, military units of Serbia’s army have placed their military and gendarmerie capacities in the 48 forward operational bases that are spread along the border with the Republic of Kosova, a few kilometers into Serbia’s territory. In this placement, the placement of anti-air and heavy artillery is included.
We have raised our concern over the existence of these 48 forward military and gendamerie bases many times and have emphasized the fact that these bases serve to support possible military aggression against the Republic of Kosova, which has now been confirmed.
The Government of the Republic of Kosova has maintained continuous contact with the U.S. and with EU countries regarding this serious threat from Serbia, and the reaction of the United States toward this aggressive approach of Serbia has been immediate and direct.
We call on President Vucic and the institutions of Serbia to immediately withdraw all military troops from the border with Kosova, and to close and demilitarize the 28 forward military bases and the 20 gendarmerie bases, which pose a permanent threat to our country.
After the failure of the armed attack, with paramilitary formations led by Milan Radoicic, the march and placement of Serbian military troops along the border with Kosova is the next step of the institutions of Serbia to threaten the territorial integrity of our country and the international military presence in the Republic of Kosova.
The institutions of the Republic of Kosova, in coordination with international partners are more determined than ever to defend at any cost the entire territory, to protect the sovereignty, constitutional order, public order, and the lives of our country’s citizens and residents.
Last modified: October 2, 2023