Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced arrests following an explosion on Friday that damaged a critical canal supplying water to two major power plants. The incident, which occurred near the northern town of Zubin Potok, has been labeled a “terrorist act” by Kosovo, with allegations pointing towards elements in neighboring Serbia.
Kurti, visiting the site of the explosion, claimed police had uncovered evidence and vowed that those responsible would face justice. However, it remains unclear if the arrests are directly linked to the blast.
Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic strongly denied the accusations, calling them “baseless.”
Escalating Tensions in a Troubled Region
The explosion has heightened tensions between Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008, and Serbia, which does not recognize its statehood. The northern region of Kosovo, home to a Serb minority loyal to Belgrade, has been a flashpoint for unrest.
This incident follows two recent attacks involving hand grenades targeting a police station and a municipal building in the same region.
Security Response
Kosovo’s Security Council convened an emergency meeting on Saturday, activating armed forces to prevent further attacks. Measures include heightened security around critical infrastructure such as bridges, power stations, and canals.
NATO, which has maintained a peacekeeping presence in Kosovo since 1999, condemned the attack and has provided security around the damaged canal.
Impact on Infrastructure and Services
The explosion caused a breach in the canal’s concrete wall, disrupting the supply of drinking water in some areas. While power generation remains largely unaffected, Kosovo’s Energy Minister Artane Rizvanolli reported ongoing coordination with Albania to bolster electricity supplies. Water is being delivered to affected areas by trucks.
Efforts to repair the canal are underway, with workers installing temporary tubing to bypass the damage.
This incident underscores the fragile security situation in the region and the persistent challenges to Kosovo’s sovereignty.
