Kurti is claiming to have extended sovereignty to the north, but the number of KFOR troops there fourfold.

Commander of NATO's peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, KFOR, Ozkan Ulutas, have said they have fourfold the presence in northern Kosovo.

In an interview for the Voice of America, Ultas said that after rising tensions last year, NATO has sent hundreds of additional troops. He has assured that KFOR will continue to commit to preserving peace and security in order to prevent a possible escalation of the situation.

“generally, the situation on the ground is calm, but remains fragile. We are closely following any important security development, including northern Kosovo and especially in several municipalities there, through a visible and flexible presence, which includes regular patrols and engagement with local communities. After rising tensions last year, NATO has deployed hundreds of additional troops. We have quadrupled KFOR's presence in northern Kosovo and tripled the number of patrols, including the area along the administrative border line. Our mission currently numbers about four thousand and 600 troops, from 28 contributing countries, including NATO allies and partners. These are careful steps to ensure that KFOR's mission continues to fulfil its mandate based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244 in 1999 to provide a secure environment for all communities living in Kosovo and freedom of movement at any time and impartially. One of our priorities is to build relations and try to understand local residents' concerns and their perception of security. This is the key to preserving a safe environment and contributing to the stability of the region. KFOR also continues to create the necessary security framework for dialogue facilitated by the European Union between Belgrade and Pristina to move forward. This is the only way to peace and long-term stability. We will continue our efforts to prevent escalation and are willing to respond to possible challenges by adjusting our presence to the need, in accordance with our mandate. We continue to act as the third security reacter, after the Kosovo Police and the European Mission for Rule of Law EULEX, with which we co-operate and co-ordinated fairly”, Ultas has said.

KFOR commander said this mission currently consists of about 4 thousand and 600 troops.

Our “mission currently consists of about four thousand and 600 troops, from 28 countries, including NATO allies and partners. Yet, we constantly reconsider our presence and are always willing to change it as necessary or as appropriate. After the tensions last year, NATO deployed about a thousand additional troops in Kosovo. The deployment of these additional troops was a careful step taken to ensure that we can continue to implement our mandate to ensure a safe environment for all communities living in Kosovo”, Ultas said.