This House resolution expresses support for United States forces to remain part of the Kosovo Force (KFOR). It describes KFOR as a NATO mission created after the 1999 Kosovo war under the Kumanovo Military-Technical Agreement and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244. The resolution cites recent security incidents — an August 6, 2022, border shooting; the September 24, 2023, Banjska attack that killed Sergeant Afrim Bunjaku; and a September 29, 2023, buildup of Serbian forces on Kosovo's border — and says KFOR deployed units in response. The text notes about 5,000 NATO personnel are assigned to KFOR, with up to 600 U.S. military personnel. It highlights Iowa National Guard involvement through the State Partnership Program. The resolution: recognizes ongoing tensions between Kosovo and Serbia; says KFOR is vital to maintain peace and security; supports KFOR's continued presence; expresses strong support for U.S. personnel deployed to KFOR; recognizes the need for U.S. capabilities within KFOR; and urges that U.S. personnel remain in Kosovo until the mission is complete.
No publicly available information.
Supporters say KFOR and the U.S. military presence help deter renewed hostilities, maintain peace and security between Kosovo and Serbia, provide key military capabilities and intelligence, and offer training and partnership benefits (for example, to the Iowa National Guard). They argue reducing U.S. personnel in KFOR would risk regional stability.
No publicly available information.