The High Representative of the European Union, Josep Borrell, has condemned and labeled the explosion at the Ibër-Lepenc canal in the village of Varagë, Zubin Potok, as a terrorist attack.
“The European Union strongly condemns the terrorist attack carried out on Friday at the Ibër-Lepenc canal in northern Kosovo,” reads the EU’s statement.
Borrell described the attack as “a heinous act of sabotage against Kosovo’s critical civilian 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 next steps with relevant partners, including KFOR. The EU’s rule of law mission, EULEX, is assisting Kosovo authorities within its mandate.
“We stand in solidarity with all those across Kosovo affected by this attack. I have conveyed these messages of solidarity and support directly to Prime Minister Albin Kurti this afternoon,” the statement adds.
Borrell stressed that the criminal act in Zubin Potok must be thoroughly investigated, and its perpetrators brought to justice. The EU has urged all stakeholders to cooperate fully with Kosovo authorities and will closely monitor developments.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti confirmed the first arrests related to the terrorist attack in Zubin Potok.
In the early hours of the morning, police conducted raids at multiple locations connected to the Ibër-Lepenc canal explosion.
“The police are conducting investigations, have carried out raids, made arrests, and gathered evidence and material proof. All these criminals and terrorists will face justice under the fair laws of the democratic Republic of Kosovo,” Kurti stated from the scene of the incident.
The explosion occurred on November 29, 2024, at the Ibër-Lepenc canal in the village of Varagë, Zubin Potok municipality. The Kosovo government claims the attack was orchestrated and directed by Serbia, carried out by professionals.
The attack has been condemned by both the United States and the European Union.
The explosion disrupted water and electricity supplies in Kosovo. However, Minister of Economy Artane Rizvanolli announced on November 30, 2024, that despite the damage, they have secured electricity for the country by installing six temporary pipes, sufficient to ensure water for cooling the “Kosova B” power plant.
The CEO of Ibër-Lepenc, Faruk Mujka, expressed optimism about soon finding a solution for potable water supplies.
Kosovo’s Security Council held an extraordinary meeting at 1:30 AM on November 30 to address the explosion. The council discussed potential links between this incident and a similar attack in Ukraine last week, as well as emergency measures to mitigate the consequences and ensure the security of critical infrastructure in the country.
