KSF dispatch in Gaza, Mehaji: Missions strengthen road towards NATO, Kosovo becoming global security factor

The involvement of the Kosovo Security Force in a mission like Gaza is a major step for Kosovo, which shows that we have reached a level where our partners trust us and see us as part of the solution, not as a country that only requires security”, so says former Defence Minister Armen Mehay, for delocation of KSF troops in Gaza, as part of the International Stabilisation Force.

Mehej, in an interview for Dukagjin, says Kosovo should contribute to international security and that the Kosovo Security Force meets the standards for such missions, even in some ways exceeds them.

“KSF is an instrument of military diplomacy. Through its missions, it sends out clear political, military and diplomatic messages: Kosovo is ready to contribute and stand side by side with allies”, Mehej says of Dukagjin.

Former Prime Minister Mehaj estimates that missions like this in Gaza, even though with high risk and conflict zone, can bring great benefits to Kosovo's KSF, as he put it, also assists in speeding up Kosovo's NATO membership.

These missions bring tangible benefits as troop experience increases, ties with partners are strengthened and our capacities tested in practice. Kosovo has a clear goal of membership in NATO. And this is accomplished by being present, contributing and showing on the ground that we're ready for”.

“at the same time, state policy must exploit this moment and intensify engagement with non-recognitional states within NATO and the European Union, to facilitate Kosovo's path towards faster membership in NATO”, Mehe says.

As a military man who has served on peacekeeping missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Chad and Central Africa within Norwegian troops, Mehe does not fail to mention the psychological preparation of KSF troops for the mission.

“During my engagement, I have placed great emphasis on this aspect as well as on Kosovo, including medical and psychological teams for continued support because not only mission member, but also his family needs support. The rehabilitation, rest, professional prosecution and sharing of experiences are essential to coping with what has been passed on the ground”, Mehe says.

We remember that Kosovo Assembly deputies, on April 17th, approved the Government's request for the KSF to participate in peacekeeping operation already three days later, on April 20th, President Albulen Haxhiu's task exercise has authorised the sending of the Kosovo Security Force to Gaza as part of the International Stabilisation Force.

Kosovo is among the first five states along with Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan and Albania that have pledged commitment to the mission, aimed at providing security and monitoring the ceasefire at the Gaza Strip.

Yet, it is still not known when exactly the number and number of troops will occur.

But this is not the first time the KSF has been deployed abroad. In 2021, she participated in a mission to Kuwait in collaboration with American forces, and in 2022 in the Falkland Islands, in collaboration with the United Kingdom.

In addition to missions abroad, the KSF has also participated in search-of-save operations and other humanitarian-type missions.

INT PLOSE ERVIS:

RTV Dukagini: How do you assess, as former defence minister, the involvement of KSF troops in the Gaza mission as part of the International Stabilisation Force?

Armend Mehaji: The involvement of the Kosovo Security Force in a mission like Gaza is a major step for Kosovo, which shows that we have reached a level where our partners trust us and view us as part of the solution, not as a country that only requires security.

From the beginning I have had a clear purpose: Kosovo should contribute to international security. That's why we've started the first delocations in history in Kuwait, the Falkland Islands, Turkey and we've also helped Albania in emergency situations.

These steps have been necessary to establish Kosovo as a serious and reliable partner.

RTV Dukagini: Do you think the Kosovo Security Force meets the standards for international missions in high-risk areas like Gaza?

Armend Mehaji: Yeah. The Kosovo Security Force meets the standards and in some respects exceeds them.

All of this comes from serious work among years of training, discipline and continued co-operation with partners.

Standards are not tested on documents, but on the ground. And I am convinced that the Kosovo Security Force is ready for such missions.

RTV Dukagini: What role should international partners have in ensuring the security of KSF troops in an environment like Gaza, and how should decision-making be co-ordinated in emergency cases?

Armend Mehaji: In an environment like Gaza, the role of partners is crucial. Joint command and clear co-ordination are essential to the mission's security and success.

It's very important that decision-making is quick and the chain of command clear.

These missions also demonstrate in practice whether we can really work together together in theory, not just theory, but in concrete situations.

RTV Dukagini: How important are international missions for KSF and especially one in a conflict zone like Gaza?

Armend Mehaji: The field experience is not replaced by anything. It teaches everything under pressure and real situations.

I insisted that the KSF be involved in missions as early as possible, because that's how real experience and real partnership with Allies are built.

These missions bring tangible benefits: troop experience increases, ties with partners are strengthened and our capacities tested in practice are tested. Kosovo has a clear goal of membership in NATO. And this is accomplished by being present, contributing, and showing on the ground that we are ready.

In the end, the human aspect should not be forgotten. The Gaza people need peace and stability. Even our contribution, however small, has its importance.

KSF is an instrument of military diplomacy. Through its missions, it sends out clear political, military and diplomatic messages: Kosovo is willing to contribute and stand side by side with the allies.

At the same time, state politics must exploit this moment and intensify engagement with non-recognitional states within NATO and the European Union to facilitate Kosovo's path towards NATO membership as quickly as possible.

RTV Dukagini: Can you share some of your experience from missions in high-risk areas and how do you expect experience for KSF troops?

Armend Mehaji: Experiences from missions in very dangerous areas have taught me some fundamental principles that cannot be learned only in theory. In the field, everything becomes real, and you realize how important it is to prepare for, trust, and control yourself.

First of all, preparation is crucial. A mission does not start the day you leave, but many months early.

For the KSF, preparations must be structured and intensive, often for about six months, where concrete roles, scenarios and reactions are trained in various situations. The better you prepare, the more stable you are on the ground.

A very important element is the meaning of the culture and the environment. You must know the country, the people, the way of life, religion, and traditions. Even basic language knowledge makes a difference. This helps you to develop respect and avoid misunderstandings that can cost a great deal on a mission.

Co-operation with Allies is essential. On the mission, there is no “ ” and “ata” There is only one team. You have to build complete faith, because in critical moments you're dependent on each other. There are very strong relationships, because everyone knows: you're there for your friend and he's there for you.

Another often underestimated aspect is psychological preparation. Even when you are trained, reactions to real situations can be unexpected.

I've seen cases during an attack in Afghanistan where a colleague from another country was completely blocked. He wasn't able to react.

At that point, we had to take control of the situation: continue to protect and fight, neutralise the threat, and at the same time take care of our controlling colleague. These are real situations, and you have to be prepared to happen.

So it's very important after the mission and the identification of these cases. But most of all, psychological processing is critical. This doesn't end in the field. It goes on after you get home.

During my commitment, I have placed great emphasis on this aspect as well as on Kosovo, including medical and psychological teams for continued support because not only mission member, but also his family needs support.

Rehabilitation, rest, professional prosecution, and sharing of experiences are essential to coping with what has been passed on the ground. We build not only strong soldiers but also stable people.