Serbian police and security forces attacked the Jashari family compound in Prekaz (Drenica), killing KLA figure Adem Jashari and many family members. The event became a major catalyst for mobilization and escalation in the Kosovo War.
The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1160 under Chapter VII, imposing an arms embargo on the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (including Kosovo) and urging a political solution—an early major international response to escalating violence.
UN Security Council Resolution 1199 demanded that the parties end hostilities and observe a ceasefire, citing the deteriorating humanitarian situation and displacement.
The OSCE Permanent Council decided to support a verification mission to monitor compliance in Kosovo—laying groundwork for the OSCE’s unarmed Kosovo Verification Mission (KVM).
UN Security Council Resolution 1203 demanded FRY compliance and cooperation with NATO and OSCE verification missions, reinforcing the international monitoring framework.
The OSCE Kosovo Verification Mission (KVM) deployed as an unarmed observer presence to verify compliance with relevant UN Security Council demands and report violations as violence continued.
Serbian security forces killed Kosovo Albanian civilians in Račak. International condemnation intensified and the episode became a pivotal turning point in diplomatic efforts and public justification for intervention.
Internationally brokered negotiations began at Rambouillet to seek an interim settlement for Kosovo. The talks ultimately failed to secure agreement between the parties.
As security conditions deteriorated and the prospect of NATO action increased, the OSCE withdrew the Kosovo Verification Mission from the field.
After diplomatic efforts failed, NATO initiated air operations against targets in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. The campaign began on 1999-03-24 and lasted 78 days.
A U.S. B-2 strike hit the Chinese embassy in Belgrade during the air campaign, killing three Chinese journalists and injuring others, causing major diplomatic fallout.
The ICTY confirmed an indictment against Milošević (and others) for crimes committed in Kosovo, marking the first time a sitting head of state was indicted by the Tribunal.
NATO/KFOR and FRY/Serbia signed the Military-Technical Agreement at Kumanovo, setting terms for the withdrawal of Yugoslav/Serb forces from Kosovo and enabling an international security presence.
UN Security Council Resolution 1244 authorized an international civil presence (UNMIK) and international security presence in Kosovo. NATO suspended Operation Allied Force as FRY began withdrawing forces under agreed terms.
NATO-led KFOR entered Kosovo to implement the security provisions of UNSCR 1244 and the Military-Technical Agreement, aiming to establish a safe and secure environment and enable refugee returns.
Kosovo War and NATO intervention (1998–1999)
