An explosion on Friday evening caused significant damage to a canal in northern Kosovo that supplies water to two coal-fired power plants, which are crucial for generating almost all of the country's electricity. Prime Minister Albin Kurti has labeled the incident as a 'terrorist act' and has pointed fingers at neighboring Serbia.
Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries resulting from the explosion. However, the blast has not only affected the water supply but also impacted drinking water availability in the region. At this time, the cause of the explosion remains unclear, and Serbian officials have not responded to allegations of involvement.
In a televised address, Prime Minister Kurti emphasized the severity of the situation, describing it as a 'criminal and terrorist attack' aimed at destroying critical infrastructure. He warned that if the issue is not resolved promptly, parts of the country could be left without power by morning.
The tension between Kosovo and Serbia is evident in this incident, with Kurti and Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani attributing the attack to Serbian criminal groups, although concrete evidence has not been provided. Recent security measures were put in place following two separate attacks involving hand grenades in northern Kosovo, where ethnic Serbians reside.
Local media images depict the extensive damage to the canal, with water leaking and a heightened police presence at the scene. Faruk Mujka, the head of water company Ibar-Lepenci, confirmed that an explosive device was thrown into the canal, causing damage to a bridge wall.
The disruption in the water supply not only affects the power plants but also impacts the drinking water supply to the capital city, Pristina. The Kosovo Energy Corporation (KEK), the primary electricity provider in the country, relies heavily on this canal for its operations.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, following years of conflict. However, tensions persist, particularly in the northern region where the Serbian minority rejects Kosovo's statehood and maintains allegiance to Belgrade.
The European Union's Kosovo ambassador, Aivo Orav, has condemned the attack, noting that it has already led to water shortages in significant parts of Kosovo. The investigation into the incident is ongoing as authorities work to restore the water supply and address the broader implications of the explosion.
