KFOR reduces number of troops

The NATO-led force in Kosovo, KFOR, has reduced the number of its troops to 5,500 from 10,000. This was confirmed for VOA by the force's commander, German General Erhard Buehler. He said it was proof that the mission was successfully carried out. KFOR reduces number of troops "The Kosovo operation has been successful for years, and now we need to organize for, I'd say, the last third of out mission," said he. "We are reducing the troops to 5,500 from 10,000, which is the so-called second step, and in the future we will have territorial commands everywhere in Kosovo with liaison officers and observer teams. We'll also have two battle groups and one tactical reserve," said Buehler. He also said he believed KFOR would be able to respond to any situation with its reduced numbers. "The security situation is good, peaceful. It's not yet stable, especially in (the Serb-dominated) north, so the key efforts are still in that area, but I think we can allow ourselves to reduce the number of troops in Kosovo," Buehler said.

KFOR reduces number of troops

"The Kosovo operation has been successful for years, and now we need to organize for, I'd say, the last third of out mission," said he.

"We are reducing the troops to 5,500 from 10,000, which is the so-called second step, and in the future we will have territorial commands everywhere in Kosovo with liaison officers and observer teams. We'll also have two battle groups and one tactical reserve," said Buehler.

He also said he believed KFOR would be able to respond to any situation with its reduced numbers.

"The security situation is good, peaceful. It's not yet stable, especially in (the Serb-dominated) north, so the key efforts are still in that area, but I think we can allow ourselves to reduce the number of troops in Kosovo," Buehler said.