Operation Kinetic

June 1999–June 2000

Operation KINETIC was Canada's contribution to KFOR, the NATO peacekeeping force that operated in Kosovo and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) to create a secure environment for the return of displaced persons and refugees, and to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to displaced persons. The Canadian Task Force Kosovo (TFK) comprised an armoured reconnaissance squadron, a tactical helicopter squadron, a field engineer squadron, an infantry battle group, a National Command Element (NCE), and a National Support Element (NSE).

As well as performing the patrolling and observation duties intrinsic to peace-support operations, the Canadian contingent carried out humanitarian aid operations, such as roofing buildings, reconstructing schools and medical facilities, installing small bridges, and building playgrounds. Under an agreement with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the Canadian contingent received $750,000 in CIDA funding for small-scale humanitarian projects.

The first Canadian units arrived in the area during the month of June 1999, and two rotations were made; Task Force Kosovo closed down in June 2000.