The U.S. Embassy in Pristina and the Kosovo Police will conduct a large-scale joint crisis response exercise on Friday, December 12, between 15:00 and 21:00. The training is designed to improve crisis management, inter-agency coordination, and emergency response procedures.
According to the embassy, "United States embassies and consulates often conduct exercises in order to prepare employees for natural or man-made emergencies. Generally, these are accomplished through internal tabletop or small-scale exercises. However, strong bilateral relations and cooperation between the United States and the Government of Kosovo create a unique opportunity to conduct a joint, large-scale, live-action crisis management exercise in Kosovo."
Residents in Pristina should expect an increased presence of both Kosovo Police and U.S. Embassy security personnel near the embassy and other designated training locations. The exercise may also result in temporary traffic disruptions such as detours or short-term road closures managed by the Kosovo Police. Additionally, sirens, loudspeakers, and other effects used during training could be noticeable to those nearby.
The embassy clarified that "this is only an exercise, not a response to a real incident." They requested public understanding and cooperation with any instructions from the Kosovo Police during this period.
For further details or updates about the event, individuals are encouraged to monitor official communication channels of the U.S. Embassy in Pristina.