With authorisation from NATO’s KFOR, specialized KSF units launched a coordinated search operation in Ujman/Gazivoda Lake in northern Kosovo on Tuesday, after a 33-year-old man—believed to be a member of the diaspora—disapeared after reportedly jumping into the lake from a bridge two days ago.

Acting Minister of Defense Ejup Maqedonci confirmed KSF’s deployment to assist civilian authorities in locating the missing individual. 

“One of the essential directives of the Kosovo Security Force is to support  civilian institutions. In collaboration with the Emergency Management Agency, the Kosovo Police, and under KFOR coordination, KSF’s specialised teams have initiated the operation in Ujman Lake to recover the body and ease the pain of the family,” Maqedonci wrote on Facebook.

The deployment of KSF in the north of the country is only possible with prior authorisation from KFOR, as per the 2013 agreement between the Government of Kosovo and NATO. This commitment was made via a letter from former Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi to then-NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.

In a statement to the media, KFOR confirmed that its Commander, Major General Enrico Barduani, granted authorisation for KSF to deploy Search and Rescue teams at the lake. 

“The authorisation was given in full accordance with the KFOR Commander’s prerogatives and authorities, to maximise the ongoing efforts to locate a 33 year-old man reported to have entered the lake a few days ago. The authorisation has been conditioned to specific requirements set by KFOR which will also provide security throughout the whole operation”, the statement read.

The decision was made under the commander’s mandate to support civil emergency operations and includes conditions set by KFOR, which is also providing security for the operation.

“The deployment aligns with KSF’s legal mandate to support local communities during emergencies, including search and rescue efforts”.

Meanwhile, KFOR continues to implement its mandate—based on UN Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999—based on which its main role is to contribute to a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all people and communities living in Kosovo.

Ujman/Gazivoda Lake is located in Zubin Potok municipality—one of four Serb-majority municipalities in northern Kosovo.

Following the incident, the Kosovo Police have issued a public appeal for citizens to avoid jumping from the bridges into the lake. 

Veton Elshani, Deputy Police Chief for the Northern Region, urged caution, stating that the most recent case resulted from a lack of awareness and proper care.