NATO will, starting Monday, September 30th, and until October 16th, deploy around 200 members of the newly formed Allied Reaction Force (ARF) in the Western Balkans, in order to begin training and be ready to assist the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR).
KFOR announced that this is the first time ARF members have been deployed since the formation was established in July this year.
“A military contingent of 50 personnel will be deployed to Kosovo, while the rest will be deployed in North Macedonia. The deployed personnel will carry out training activities to maintain a high level of readiness and test their capabilities. Part of the ARF personnel will be temporarily integrated into the command and control structures of the KFOR mission, tasked with identifying logistical, infrastructure, and operational requirements for supporting KFOR,” the statement said.
It was further stated that the deployment of ARF forces, along with the current deployment of the Strategic Reserve Forces announced earlier this month, “sends a clear message” of NATO’s determination to preserve peace and stability in the region and demonstrates the Alliance’s readiness to respond quickly.
KFOR emphasized that ARF is a strategic force, with high readiness, capable of operating in various terrains.
KFOR continues to work on implementing its mandate based on United Nations (UN) Resolution 1244 from 1999, to ensure a safe and secure environment for all peoples and communities living in Kosovo, and to allow freedom of movement for everyone at all times.
