From War To Peace: Before-And-After Photos Of Kosovo's Transformation
- By RFE/RL's Kosovo Service,
- Reuters and
- AP
June 12 marks the 25th anniversary of NATO-led KFOR forces entering Kosovo, a pivotal moment that ended a devastating war with over 13,000 casualties, mostly local ethnic Albanians. RFE/RL visits several places to see how much has changed since 1999.
Before
After
1
British soldiers descend from a helicopter onto a bridge in the town of Kacanik in southern Kosovo on June 12, 1999. Hundreds of NATO troops, including Gurkhas, were used to secure the bridge.
Today, houses line the road leading to the bridge, which has been reconstructed.
Today, houses line the road leading to the bridge, which has been reconstructed.
Before
After
2
British Challenger tanks arrive in Veternik, a district of Pristina, on June 13, 1999, the day after British troops reached Kosovo's capital. NATO began taking control of Pristina following the withdrawal of Serbian forces.
Hundreds of apartments and businesses have since been built along the busy road.
Hundreds of apartments and businesses have since been built along the busy road.
Before
After
3
British soldiers look on as buildings burn in Pristina on June 13, 1999, following an attack by a Serbian soldier.
A new school and numerous developments line the road where homes once burned.
A new school and numerous developments line the road where homes once burned.
Before
After
4
Children run next to a British tank after its arrival in Podujeva on June 18, 1999.
The square has been expanded with freshly planted trees.
The square has been expanded with freshly planted trees.
Before
After
5
A Kosovo Liberation Army soldier patrols near a German tank in the town of Prizren on June 15, 1999, following the departure of Serbian forces.
The Hotel Theranda now stands along the road where troops once enforced the peace.
The Hotel Theranda now stands along the road where troops once enforced the peace.
Before
After
6
Thousands of ethnic Albanian residents rally against the possible deployment of Russian peacekeeping troops during a fourth day of protests in Rahovec on June 10, 1999, saying that Russian paramilitaries had participated in Serbian violence against them.
A new mosque and the addition of trees welcomes visitors.
A new mosque and the addition of trees welcomes visitors.
Before
After
7
German military vehicles patrol the streets of Prizren on July 16, 1999. German troops were stationed there as part of the NATO peacekeeping mission.
Today, very little has changed along the busy road.
Today, very little has changed along the busy road.
Before
After
8
Members of a U.S. airborne division arrive in Han i Elezit on June 12, 1999, at the then-Yugoslav border crossing.
The border crossing is now with North Macedonia.
The border crossing is now with North Macedonia.
