The Ibër-Lepenc Water Canal was damaged after a powerful explosion occurred last night in Zubin Potok, which supplies water to several cities in Kosovo and is also crucial for the Kosovo Energy Corporation (KEK) to cool its thermal power plants. The Kosovo Government has condemned the attack as a terrorist act, and international partners have strongly denounced the assault. Here’s a summary of what we know so far.
A strong explosion took place last night in the village of Varagë, located in Zubin Potok, damaging the Ibër-Lepenc Canal. The canal is essential for water supply to cities, as well as for KEK’s power plants.
The explosion was initially confirmed by the Deputy Director of the Police for the Northern Region, Veton Elshani.
“Yes, an explosion was heard at the water canal, and police teams are working to clarify the case as soon as possible,” Elshani said, without providing further details.
Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla and Police Director Gazmend Hoxha arrived at the scene shortly after.
Sveçla described the incident as a terrorist act, calling it an attack on critical infrastructure.
“Following reports, the police arrived at the scene. Since it was evident that this was the result of a terrorist act, a part of the Ibër-Lepenc Canal, classified as critical infrastructure, was damaged,” Sveçla said.
He added that the explosion was caused by explosives, which, according to him, likely came from Serbia’s stockpiles.
“We are not talking about small arms here; we’re talking about explosives that are not easily found on the black market. This surely comes from Serbia’s explosive reserves,” Sveçla explained.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti addressed the public in a late-night press conference, pointing the finger at Serbia for the attack.
“We had to gather late tonight to inform the public about the latest severe, criminal, terrorist, and malicious attacks that we believe are coming from our northern, aggressive, and hostile neighbor,” Kurti declared.
He mentioned the recent grenade attacks at the police station in Zveçan and an explosion near Zvečan Municipality.
Kurti stated that part of the Ibër-Lepenc Canal was damaged and that water supply had been temporarily disrupted.
“This is a criminal and terrorist attack aimed at damaging our most critical infrastructure, and without a doubt, it was an attempt to jeopardize the country’s energy and water supply,” Kurti added.
He urged citizens to remain calm and follow the instructions from Kosovo’s institutions.
“Our strong belief is that the responsibility and orchestration of this attack come directly from official Belgrade and their criminal structures, led by Milan Radojičić, supported by Serbian institutions and President Aleksandar Vučić,” Kurti emphasized.
Kurti thanked international partners, including the United States and the European Union, for their support, and announced a meeting with KFOR Commander and an emergency Kosovo Security Council session.
“Let us stand together with the institutions of the state, with our police, and with our official bodies, which will inform us in real-time. These criminals and terrorists will never defeat us, because the power of law in the democratic Republic of Kosovo will prevail again,” said Kurti.
Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani also reacted to the attack, stating that international security partners have immediately offered assistance for damage recovery and water supply restoration, as well as for the investigation into this act against the state and its citizens.
“I urge citizens to remain calm and composed while our institutions conduct a professional investigation and address the damage,” Osmani wrote.
The EU Ambassador to Kosovo, Aivo Orav, condemned the explosion and offered help to Kosovo’s authorities.
“I condemn the serious incident that caused damage to the water canal in Zubin Potok, depriving large parts of Kosovo of water supply. I have offered EU assistance to Kosovo authorities. This incident must be investigated, and those responsible must face justice,” Orav tweeted.
US Ambassador Jeffrey Hovenier also condemned the attack, stating that the US is closely monitoring the situation and offering support to ensure those responsible are identified and held accountable.
“We strongly condemn the recent grenade attacks in Zveçan on November 26 and near Zveçan Municipality on November 28. These violent acts have no place in a democratic society, and those responsible for these criminal acts against the legitimate authorities of Kosovo must be held accountable,” Hovenier wrote.
The UK Ambassador, Hargreaves, also condemned the attack, emphasizing the serious consequences on water and energy supplies in Kosovo.
“The serious incident in Zubin Potok tonight has potentially severe consequences for energy and water supply in various communities across Kosovo. It must be quickly investigated to determine if it was a deliberate attack on critical infrastructure,” the British Ambassador wrote on Facebook.
The Basic Prosecution in Mitrovica announced that it is investigating the circumstances surrounding the explosion. Prosecutor Valon Preteni stated that the duty prosecutor immediately went to the scene and is collaborating with other justice actors, including the Kosovo Police and the Anti-Terrorism Unit.
Meanwhile, Minister of Economy Artane Rizvanolli confirmed that the electricity supply to Kosovo is secure and that central heating is being provided to citizens in Pristina.
She said temporary pipelines have been placed with sufficient capacity to ensure water for cooling at the Kosova B Thermal Power Plant, and they are working to prevent disruptions to the electricity supply.
“We are also coordinating with the Energy Corporation of Albania to secure additional energy and prevent possible cuts,” Rizvanolli stated.
She classified the explosion as a terrorist act, noting it also affected water supply.
In Pristina, water supply will be compensated by Badovci and Batllava reservoirs. In Fushë Kosovë, Drenas, and the Mitrovica region, water will be provided by water tankers, starting from this morning.
“Citizens are encouraged to follow updates from the regional water companies for accurate information. We thank Ibër Lepenc, the Kosovo Police, and KEK for their swift response, as well as AME and KRU for deploying the necessary tankers and human resources for an emergency solution,” Rizvanolli added./RKS.news
