Kosovo celebrates 5 years of independence

It's the first time such forces have been used in a parade since the end of the 1998-99 war with Serbia.

The country's lightly armed Kosovo Security Force paraded in armored vehicles alongside firefighters and special police units wearing masks to conceal their identities. The NATO-trained force has 2,500 members and wants to become an army, but alliance members such as Greece and Spain oppose that because they reject Kosovo's independence.

Thousands of people flooded the capital, Pristina, to join the festivities, which were accompanied by traditional music.

"We have made some progress, but not the way we hoped," 65-year-old resident Ilaz Rama said. "The main thing is that we are free now."

Nearly 100 nations have recognized Kosovo's independence, but Serbia claims the territory as its own. The European Union is currently mediating talks between the two former foes.

Prime Minister Hashim Thaci, a former rebel who fought against Serbia, said the country is seeking EU membership, but warned the goal was still distant.