Joti emphasized that the draft law enables the country’s contribution to an international security and stability mission and represents a continuation of our foreign and security policy, which supports active contributions to international peace and security.

According to him, the draft law fulfills obligations and responsibilities stemming from the country’s international partnerships and commitments.

“This engagement strengthens Albania’s international profile and supports the country’s strategic objectives in the field of security. The draft law provides for the deployment of up to 40 Armed Forces personnel to this operation. Their duties will include supporting security and stability operations, protecting mission personnel and infrastructure, supporting humanitarian operations and monitoring and reporting on the security situation in accordance with the mission’s mandate,” Joti stated. The Deputy Minister of Defence emphasized that the draft law is being proposed for review under an accelerated procedure. /p.s./

In Terbun, aerial operations have been completed and crews are now working to create firebreaks to prevent the flames from spreading and isolate remaining hotspots, Nufi said.

There was no threat to populated areas, he added.

In Dajt, firefighting and containment efforts were continuing, involving 50 armed forces personnel and a helicopter, Nufi said.

“The situation is also under control in this area, with no threat to populated areas. The forces deployed continue their work on the ground and monitor the situation, aiming to fully contain the remaining fire hotspots,” he said.

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Responding to journalists after a government meeting, he emphasized that the mission’s logistics and parameters are still under discussion.

“We sent an observation team to Gaza to evaluate the ground reality and deployment options. We are consulting with the U.S. and other partners to clarify security protocols, mission tasks, and commitments”, he said.

“We have absolute confidence in our Armed Forces—from our special operations units to the military police—and their exemplary track record in peacekeeping. Given their proven capabilities, we are fully prepared to support missions in delicate regions. Following our successful contributions in Lebanon, we stand ready to adapt that same effective model for the Gaza Strip if called upon”, Nufi added. /e.i/ /a.g/p.s./

Lawmakers backed the government proposal with 89 votes in favour, with no votes against or abstentions, meeting the required two-thirds majority.

The decision must now be signed by acting President Albulena Haxhiu to enter into force.

Defence Minister Ejup Maqedonci said the move would further strengthen Kosovo’s international profile and demonstrate the professionalism of its security forces.

“Through this engagement, Kosovo shows it is a reliable and responsible partner, ready to stand alongside allies in support of peace, security, civilian protection and international mandates,” Maqedonci said.

The deployment will take place under the International Stabilisation Force, a mechanism set up under a broader peace initiative proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Kosovo is among the first five countries – alongside Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan and Albania – to commit troops to the mission, which is expected to support security and monitor a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

It remains unclear when exactly the deployment will take place or how many troops will be sent. Local media reports have suggested the mission could begin as early as May, though authorities in Prishtina have not confirmed a timeline.

Maqedonci has said an initial contingent of more than 20 specialised troops is planned, including explosive ordnance disposal units, special operations personnel, planners and medical teams.

The stabilisation force is expected to help secure the situation in Gaza following the war that began in October 2023, when Hamas – designated a terrorist organisation by the United States and the European Union – attacked Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and taking hostages. Israel’s subsequent military operations in Gaza have caused tens of thousands of casualties and a humanitarian crisis.

Kosovo has previously deployed its security force abroad, including missions in Kuwait in 2021 alongside U.S. and in the Falkland Islands in 2022 with the United Kingdom.

The Kosovo Security Force is currently undergoing a transition into a fully-fledged army, a process expected to be completed by 2028.

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Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, announced the move at a joint news conference with Defence Minister Pirro Vengu.

Kingji said the additional contribution would include a Cougar helicopter with pilot and technical crew, as well as operational support elements.

The expanded deployment is aimed at strengthening Albania’s presence and contribution to stability and security in the Western Balkans, he said.

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Speaking at a press conference in Tirana, Koçiu said the scale of Albania’s contribution would be decided in the coming days, following remarks by Prime Minister Edi Rama who confirmed the country’s readiness to contribute with troops to the Gaza stabilization force as he addressed the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington a day ago.

“I cannot provide concrete information today. However, Albania’s commitment will be as declared yesterday by Prime Minister Edi Rama at the meeting held in Washington. Our contribution will be in line with what is required,” Koçiu stated.

She said the number of personnel or other forms of support would be assessed in the days ahead.

“The commitment will be maximal, while ensuring the proper functioning of our institutions and safeguarding Albania’s international partnerships and engagements,” the Minister of Interior added.

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Personnel from the Southern Infantry Battalion have been working since early Tuesday morning to secure at-risk areas and provide immediate assistance to affected communities, often under challenging conditions.

As part of the operation, the Land Forces are transporting residents to safe locations, evacuating livestock, and distributing emergency aid, including food, water, and temporary shelter.

Operations are being conducted in close coordination with local authorities and civil emergency structures to ensure timely and effective interventions.

Troops continue patrolling and monitoring affected areas to ensure that all residents receive necessary assistance and to minimize the impact of the floods.

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Vengu met at the camp with the commander and the leadership team of the mission.

“Albania is and will be wherever the European Union and the NATO operate to guarantee peace and stability,” Vengu emphasized in a post in the social media.

Vengu expressed his commitment to increasing Albania’s contribution in building capacities emphasizing that, “This will ensure that Albanian troops have optimal conditions during their service.”

“The Albanian flag flies proudly alongside the NATO and European Union flags,” Vengu wrote.

Over the years, Albania has built a successful and worthy history in international engagements, as a NATO member country and a reliable partner within the European Union.

Its participation in European Union missions, such as EUFOR “Althea” and the one in Mali, has proven the professionalism, discipline and dedication of the Armed Forces.

Albanian servicemen joined the European Union Force in Bosnia-Herzegovina in February of the current year. /k.s/j.p/r.e/p.s./

Among the active fires still burning is the one of Pishe-Poro forest in Vlora. There, 30 municipal firefighting forces and 20 Armed Forces personnel with 3 vehicles are working on the ground. The fire has low intensity, burning mainly logs inside the area.

Another fire is burning in a village in Miras, Devoll municipality. About 70 local forces of the Ministry of Defense, the municipality and volunteers are working on the ground to extinguish the fire.

Meanwhile, the fires Bogova, Pezë Helmës and Gërmenj Nature Park are extinguished and the area is under monitoring by the operational forces.

The Civil Protection units, firefighters, municipalities, Armed Forces and volunteers remain engaged on the ground to control the situation and prevent the spread of the flames. /m.q/j.p/p.s./

Albanian military troops are currently deployed in Novo Selo as part of NATO’s Enhanced Vigilance Activity (eVA). This contingent, consisting of 30 soldiers, is integrated into a NATO Battalion Group on the Alliance’s eastern borders. The Albanian contribution is part of a broader effort by NATO to strengthen its eastern flank in response to the war in Ukraine.

The soldiers of the First Battalion of the Northern Infantry Regiment, part of Contingent VI, are today on the front lines of cooperation with the NATO allies, Vengu appreciated in his post in the social media.

Vengu emphasized that over 500 Albanian military personnel are engaged in NATO, EU and United Nations missions in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

This significant contribution reflects Albania’s commitment to international security and its alignment with the foreign and security policies of the EU and NATO.

Specifically, Albanian troops are deployed in Latvia and Bulgaria, as well as in the missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR Althea), Kosovo (KFOR), and South Sudan (UNMISS). Albania also contributes to NATO’s Operation Sea Guardian in the Aegean Sea and the NATO mission in Iraq.

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