The Finnish peacekeeping operation in Kosovo has formally ended after 11 years. The main Finnish camp in Lipljani closed on New Year's Eve.

At its peak the base, called Camp Ville, housed nearly a thousand Finnish troops. About 20 will now remain as part of the Nato-led KFOR-operation.

The camp has been gradually dismantled since October, with more than 200 shipping containers and about 100 vehicles being sent back to Finland. However most of the vehicles and other items used have either been sold or donated to local companies or individuals.

Former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari served as UN envoy to the breakaway Serbian province, playing a key role in achieving Kosovo's independence in 2008.