Task Force Fox (TFF) was deployed by NATO, on invitation by the government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, to build on the success of Task Force Harvest whose efforts directly contributed to the disarmament of armed insurgents. In doing so, Task Force Harvest established the conditions for peaceful solution of the crisis in that country.The role of TFF was to contribute to the protection of international monitors who were overseeing the implementation of the peace plan in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*. By this mission NATO continued to contribute to the efforts of the international community aimed at fostering stability in the country and the region.

Task Force Fox Composition

TFF was led by Brigadier General J.H. de Jonge, Dutch Army, reporting to Maj. General Gaetano Cigna, Italian Army, the NATO Senior Military Representative in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*. TFF comprised forces from NATO nations and consisted of some 700 troops, together, if necessary, with 300 troops already in the country.

Task Force Fox comprised the extraction force, military liaison teams, a Danish mobile reconnaissance platoon and a headquarters.

The extraction force comprised three companies with approximately 100 personnel each, one from France, one from Italy and one from Germany. One element of their training involved helicopter -born operations and these helicopter units conducted reconnaissance activities in which they identified potential landing zones and their activities were supported by explosive ordnance disposal teams who have assured that there were no mines in these areas.

Concept of Operations

During Operation Amber Fox the International Community (IC), in addition to other forms of assistance, were providing a monitoring presence in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*. The safety and security of IC monitors is primarily the responsibility of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, whose President asked NATO to provide an additional contribution to the security of the IC monitors.

NATO provided emergency and other pre-determined forms of support to the IC monitors within defined limits and with the agreement of the host government and concerned IC monitoring organisations.

Operation Amber Fox was initially authorised for three months with the option to consider an extension, depending on the situation in the country. Following an official request from the President and the Government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (*)the mandate was extended once till the 26th of March 2002, secondly to June 2002 and thirdly to October 2002. The North Atlantic Council decided on Friday, 11 October to further extend the mission of Operation Amber Fox from 27 October until 15 December 2002. The decision by the North Atlantic Council followed a new request from the President of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (*) for NATO to continue the mission.

Operation Amber Fox provided security for international monitors overseeing the re-entry of security forces into former crisis areas. The primary responsibility for the security of the international monitors remained with the Government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Operation Amber Fox completed on 14th December 2002.

* Turkey recognizes Republic of Macedonia under its constitutional name