Explosion Disrupts Kosovo’s Water Supply, Fuels Tensions with Serbia

An explosion on Friday evening severely damaged a canal in northern Kosovo, disrupting water supplies to two coal-fired power plants responsible for nearly all of the country’s electricity. Prime Minister Albin Kurti labeled the incident a “terrorist act” attributed to neighboring Serbia.

While there were no immediate reports of injuries, the blast also affected drinking water supplies, and the precise cause remains unclear. Serbian officials have yet to respond to inquiries regarding the incident, and there is no immediate evidence linking Belgrade to the explosion.

In a televised address, Kurti described the attack as a deliberate attempt to undermine critical infrastructure, warning that parts of the country could face power shortages if repairs are not completed swiftly. He echoed sentiments from Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani, attributing responsibility to Serbian criminal gangs without presenting corroborating evidence.

The situation comes amid heightened ethnic tensions in the region. Earlier in the day, Kosovo police announced increased security protocols following two recent grenade attacks targeting a police station and a municipal building in areas with significant ethnic Serbian populations. The connection between these incidents and the explosion remains uncertain.

Local reports indicated significant damage to the canal, which is vital for providing water to both the capital Pristina and the Kosovo Energy Corporation (KEK). Faruk Mujka, head of the Ibar-Lepenci water company, confirmed that an explosive device had been thrown into the canal, breaching a bridge wall. He stressed the urgency of halting the water supply to address the damage.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, following a decade-long conflict, yet tensions persist, particularly in the north where the Serb minority continues to reject Kosovo’s sovereignty. EU Ambassador to Kosovo, Aivo Orav, condemned the attack, noting its immediate impact on water supply across substantial parts of the country.