NATO, EU, Kosovo Forces Conduct Riot Control Drill

NATO peacekeepers and European Union officers joined members of Kosovo's security forces to conduct a joined riot control exercise at a NATO military airport near capital Pristina on Friday (April 27).

Approximately one thousand members of NATO peacekeepers in Kosovo (KFOR), the European Union's police and justice mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and Kosovo police and security forces (KSF) took part in the exercise.

Codenamed "Silver Sabre", the exercise pitted KFOR and EULEX officers against each other, taking turns simulating riot situations. Officers in riot gear fended off flaming petrol bombs and threw tear gas canisters. Helicopters and armoured vehicles were also present in the drill.

Although, police provide first response to civil unrest in the country, KFOR and EULEX are available for support when necessary. The security level in Kosovo remains stable but sporadic violence is seen in northern Kosovo.
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