EULEX and KFOR issued a joint press release after criticism about undermined election security in northern Kosovo, saying "Kosovo police were in the lead, as first responder, on the day. EULEX was second responder, and KFOR was third responder."
In line with its responsibilities, EULEX "immediately provided additional help to KP (Kosovo police) following the attack on the polling station in Mitrovica north to secure OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe) and EU Observer Mission staff deployed there," the press release said.
"KFOR personnel deployed in the north also intervened, moving additional personnel, including a Quick Reaction Force, to secure the bridges on the Ibar River, thus preventing the escalation of the situation. Another KFOR company moved by the helicopters at the same time over the area, with two KFOR platoons dispatched to Zvecan and two KFOR platoons dispatched to Zubin Potok. The EULEX helicopter was also dispatched, spotted the group of perpetrators and dispersed them," the press release said.
It added that the "strategic aim was to stop perpetrators from attacking other stations in Mitrovica north municipality and elsewhere in northern Kosovo."
"Actions taken by EULEX and KFOR effectively stopped the escalation of violence and further disruption of the voting process," said the press release.
Sunday's vote in the northern part of the town of Kosovska Mitrovica took place amidst pressure and threats from election boycott supporters against voters coming to cast their ballots. Late in the afternoon, groups of masked hooligans broke into three polling stations, smashing ballot boxes and assaulting election commission officials. At least two people were injured in the incidents.