The battle for mount Pastrik: A preliminary study

Abstract

On 26 May 1999 the Kosovo Liberation Army launched Operation ‘Arrow’, a ground offensive across Mount Pastrik against Yugoslav army units defending the city of Prizren. NATO used the opportunity to attack the Yugoslav army vehicles, artillery, and troops during the largest land battle of the conflict in Kosovo. This study reconstructs major features of the battle on the ground and questions the efficacy of what became NATO's close air support effort to prevent the defeat of the operation. While the offensive failed to meet its operational objectives, it was an important factor in President Milosevic's decision to withdraw from the province.