PRISTINA, Nov 30 (Reuters) – Kosovo has intensified security efforts at key infrastructure sites after an explosion damaged a canal supplying water to two major coal-fired power plants. The incident, which Kosovo labeled a “terrorist act,” occurred on Friday near Zubin Potok, and has raised concerns over water and power shortages.
Kosovo’s Security Council held emergency talks early on Saturday and activated its armed forces to prevent further attacks. The blast, which occurred around 7 p.m., damaged the canal that serves as a critical water source for Kosovo’s power plants, which supply nearly all the country’s electricity.
Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, accused criminal elements from Serbia of orchestrating the attack, though no evidence was provided. Serbia’s Foreign Minister, Marko Djuric, denied the accusations, calling them “baseless” and suggested without proof that Kosovo’s government might be involved.
The explosion has heightened tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, particularly in the northern region where ethnic Serbs continue to reject Kosovo’s independence. Relations between the two countries remain fragile, especially after Kosovo declared independence in 2008, which Serbia has not recognized.
Following the blast, Kosovo’s Security Council approved additional measures to secure critical infrastructure, including bridges, transformer stations, and canals. Kosovo’s energy minister, Artane Rizvanolli, confirmed that power supplies remained mostly intact but acknowledged disruptions in the water supply. Authorities are working with Albania’s power company to maintain electricity supplies, while water is being trucked to affected areas.
Former power utility CEO Arben Gjukaj emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that the attack specifically targeted water access, which directly impacts energy production. “This is a critical situation,” he said.
