Oh look another US (World) police action to handle labeled as “peacekeeping mission.” – PB/TK
US soldiers deploy to Kosovo amid enduring tensions – By Martin Egnash / July 12 2017
GRAFENWOEHR, Germany — A battalion-size unit of National Guardsmen is joining the NATO force in Kosovo, 18 years after the war that led the alliance to assume responsibility for security in the former Serbian province.
The peacekeeping mission, the longest in NATO history, has taken on renewed significance in recent months after a series of spats between Kosovo and Serbia, which does not recognize the independence of the mainly Albanian-inhabited region of 2 million people.
NATO commanders say their principal role is to enable unobstructed political dialogue between the two rival communities to take place.
“NATO’s mission in Kosovo is to ensure a safe and secure environment and allow freedom of movement for the people of Kosovo,” said Col. Michael Spraggins, commanding officer of the 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the Arkansas National Guard. “Ensuring safety and security is important for the continuation of peaceful progress of Kosovo’s political processes.”
Continue to stripes.com article: https://www.stripes.com/news/europe/us-soldiers-deploy-to-kosovo-amid-enduring-tensions-1.477572#.WWYoK4WcHIV
