The European Union (EU) has strongly condemned the terrorist attack that occurred on November 29 at the Ibër-Lepenc water canal in the municipality of Zubin Potok, northern Kosovo. This act of sabotage targeted critical civilian infrastructure essential for Kosovo’s population.
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| The segment of the water channel that was destroyed with explosives by the Serbs |
In a post on the platform X, the EU described the attack as a “heinous act of sabotage” against Kosovo’s critical infrastructure, which provides drinking water to a significant portion of the population and is a vital component of Kosovo’s energy system.
“The EU has offered support to Kosovo authorities and continues to coordinate the next steps with relevant partners, including KFOR at the local level. The EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) is assisting Kosovo authorities in accordance with its mandate.
We stand in solidarity with all those across Kosovo who have been affected by the attack. These messages of solidarity and support were personally conveyed to Prime Minister Albin Kurti earlier today.
The criminal act committed in Zubin Potok must be thoroughly investigated, and its perpetrators brought to justice. In this regard, the EU urges all stakeholders to fully cooperate with Kosovo authorities and will continue to monitor developments closely,” stated the EU’s post.
Arrests and Confiscations Following the Attack
Kosovo’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, held an emergency press conference where he disclosed that following the terrorist attack, which involved the use of explosives to damage the Ibër-Lepenc canal, police had arrested eight suspects in northern Kosovo and seized a cache of weapons.
Sveçla described the incident as the most serious attack on Kosovo’s vital infrastructure since the post-war period. “After intensive investigations, operations were organized early this morning, resulting in the arrest of eight suspects. During these actions, weapons, explosives, uniforms, and other items were confiscated that will aid the investigation,” Sveçla stated.
The Incident
On the evening of November 29, an explosion in the village of Varragë in Zubin Potok severely damaged the Ibër-Lepenc canal. This canal is crucial, supplying water from Lake Ujman to several municipalities in Kosovo and providing cooling water to Kosovo’s power plants operated by the Kosovo Energy Corporation.
Authorities are working diligently to investigate the incident, restore the damaged infrastructure, and ensure the safety and reliability of essential services.