TIRANA, March 13 – Several U.S. Congress members asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to prevent a possible reduction of U.S. troops in Kosova. They warned that cutting forces could destabilize the country and the wider Western Balkans amid hostile influences.

In a letter dated 11 March, they expressed concern over reports that the Trump administration might withdraw part of the U.S. KFOR mission. They said a premature reduction could threaten stability in Kosova and the region, especially Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Lawmakers urged Rubio to keep U.S. troop levels to protect American security interests. They noted that U.S. forces serve alongside Kosova Police and the EU Rule of Law Mission, EULEX, and oversee security along the Kosova-Serbia border.

They said a troop reduction could weaken KFOR’s operational capacity and reduce its political deterrent role. The lawmakers also warned that hostile actors could exploit a smaller U.S. presence to provoke unrest.

Kosova and Serbia have had tense relations, especially since 2023, when Kosovar authorities accused Belgrade of supporting attacks that killed a police officer and damaged a water channel. Serbia denied involvement.

Lawmakers argued that reducing troops could embolden nationalist actors in Kosova, Serbia, and Republika Srpska in Bosnia. They cited Russia’s repeated attempts to exploit regional divisions and weaken NATO and EU influence.

They referred to April 2024 testimony by Supreme Allied Commander Europe Christopher Cavoli, who said Russia fuels ethnic tensions in Bosnia. In response, Cavoli increased KFOR numbers and added equipment.

Lawmakers concluded that intelligence shows no decline in hostile Russian influence. They urged the U.S. to maintain its troop levels to prevent instability.

/a.p./