The attack on the Ibër-Lepenc water channel in northern Mitrovica has sparked strong reactions. State leaders have condemned it as a terrorist act, while international allies have expressed their support, urging for the swift prosecution of those responsible.
The security threat posed by Serbian criminal gangs in the northern region has prompted both domestic and international responses. In light of this, President Vjosa Osmani held meetings with the ambassadors of the Quint countries, the EU representative, and the KFOR commander.
During the meeting, the head of state called on the international community to stand united against any attempts to undermine security in Kosovo. President Osmani, who canceled her state visit to Brunei due to the developments in the north, stated that the terrorist attack demonstrated Serbia’s destabilizing intentions.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Assembly, Glauk Konjufca, emphasized that those behind the attack would be held accountable for their terrorist actions.
A day after the attack on the Ibër-Lepenc water channel, the Mayor of South Mitrovica, and candidate for Prime Minister from the PDK, gathered the Emergency Management Committee. Hamza stated that they discussed measures that should be taken following the attack, which has caused repercussions in the Mitrovica region and across Kosovo.
LDK leader, Lumir Abdixhiku, emphasized that no force or explosion could topple the pillars of the Republic. Meanwhile, the leader of AAK, Ramush Haradinaj, stressed the need for an international investigation into the incident.
The security threat also triggered reactions from the international community. KFOR strongly condemned the attack, stating that the perpetrators must face justice. EULEX praised the swift actions of Kosovo’s authorities in managing the situation.
US Ambassador to Kosovo, Jeff Hovenier, declared that the United States is closely monitoring the situation and is assisting in identifying the attackers.
Support for Kosovo was also expressed by the German Ambassador, who strongly condemned the attack. The British, Finnish, and Austrian ambassadors all called for an investigation into the incident.
Albanian President Bajram Begaj and Prime Minister Edi Rama considered the act a serious crime that jeopardizes the lives of citizens.
Despite suspicions that the Serbian state may be behind the attack, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić claimed that Belgrade had no involvement. Vučić had distanced himself from the terrorist attack in Banjska, despite evidence proving it was orchestrated by Serbia.
In the early hours of Saturday, Kosovo’s Security Council convened and decided to activate the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) and police to secure critical infrastructure, including lakes, canals, and bridges.
