NATO warns Kosovo government over purchase of lethal drones from Turkey
NATO forces in Kosovo warned the government on Monday over the recent purchase of lethal drones from Turkey, saying the peacekeeping operation remained in charge of the territory’s airspace, AFP reports.
The statement from the international peacekeeping force KFOR came a day after Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced the purchase and delivery of Bayraktar TB-2 drones from Turkey.
“Regarding the use of all the categories of drones and the related limitations, including the Bayraktar TB-2… Kosovo Force (KFOR) Commander has the primary authority for airspace over Kosovo,” read a KFOR statement.
Kurti is set to meet this week with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Brussels, where the two sides are under increasing pressure to dial down tensions.
On Sunday, Kurti posted photos on social media showing him standing next to the new drones.
“We have added to the arsenal of our army the TB-2 Bayraktar drones which we purchased from Turkey!” said Kurti in the post. “Kosovo is now safer and always proud!”
The government aims to transform its Kosovo Security Force (KSF) into a 5,000 strong regular army with 3,000 reservists. The KSF oversees civil operations such as firefighting, explosive ordnance disposal and search and rescue missions. KFOR, however, remains the country’s top security institution with 4,500 troops provided by 27 allied and partner countries.
