Various local and international media networks have rushed to the headquarters of the UAE Armed Forces here to meet Brigadier Shahwan Surour Al Dhahiri, Deputy Commander of the Northern Brigade in Kosovo and Liaison Officer for UAE Forces Affairs, after learning about the return of the UAE forces and to ask questions on achievements of the UAE forces during their presence among the UN Peacekeeping force in Kosovo, Kfor, and the reason behind the return.

In his reply, Al Dhahiri pointed out that the duties of the UAE forces included ensuring security, protection and stability for the people of Kosovo and enable them to live a normal life.

The UAE official said that the UAE forces also played important humanitarian role, including the construction and maintenance of thousands of houses at the cost of 5.88 million marks, the construction and reconstruction of 29 mosques at the cost of 1.27 million marks, modernisation of roads, orphans' care, in addition to medical services provided at the military hospital which received more than 150,000 patients.

He also said that around 100 patients were sent to hospitals in the UAE for treatment.

As for the return of the forces, Al Dhahiri said that it was planned during the visit of General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Defence Minister and Lt. General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces to Kosovo in August of last year.

He denied there was any link between the return of the UAE forces and the incidents which occurred in the U.S. on September 11.