British troops to be sent to Kosovo on Nato mission

British troops will be sent to join the Nato effort in Kosovo, Sir Michael Fallon has announced.

The Defence Secretary said almost 30 troops will travel next year to join the Nato Kosovo Force (KFOR) on a year-long deployment.

The UK's contribution to the mission will support KFOR's ability to carry out surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance operations.

Personnel will be based in Kosovan capital Pristina at KFOR's headquarters.

Sir Michael said: "There are significant security and stability challenges in western Balkans.

"Nato remains a cornerstone of our defence. By continuing to defend the security of Europe, Britain's security is strengthened at home."

KFOR began in the 1990s as a peacekeeping force following the war which saw Kosovo break away from Yugoslavia.

There are now around 4,300 troops from 30 countries helping to ensure security in the country.