An explosion in Zubin Potok damaged the Ibër-Lepenc canal, a critical infrastructure for the cooling systems of the two coal-fired power plants that supply electricity to Kosovo. This incident occurred amidst heightened tensions in northern Kosovo, following grenade attacks on a police station and a town hall.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti condemned the incident as a “criminal and terrorist attack” orchestrated by Serbia, although no concrete evidence was provided to support this claim. The leak caused by the explosion was captured in photographs published by various Kosovar media outlets, highlighting the significant damage caused to the canal.
In response, Serbia refuted the accusations made by PM Kurti, with Foreign Minister Marko Djuric condemning the attack and urging all parties to prioritize dialogue and cooperation. The Serbian government also hinted at possible involvement of Kosovar authorities in the incident, without substantiating their claims.
The United States also condemned the attack, offering full support to the Kosovo government in identifying and holding the perpetrators accountable. The French Embassy in Kosovo echoed these sentiments, denouncing the sabotage and emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served.
Following the attack, the Kosovo Security Council convened urgently to implement additional security measures around sensitive sites and critical infrastructure in the region. The KFOR (NATO force in Kosovo) and the EU mission EULEX were commended for their swift response to the incident.
As investigations continue into the sabotage of the Ibër-Lepenc canal, tensions between Kosovo and Serbia remain high, underscoring the fragile nature of relations between the two neighboring countries. The repercussions of this attack on essential water supply and power plants in Kosovo serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
