An explosion in Kosovo on Friday evening damaged a canal that supplies water to two of the country’s coal-fired power stations. Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti spoke of “terror” and blamed Serbian gangs for the attack.
Kurti spoke to journalists about a “criminal and terrorist attack” on the country’s basic infrastructure.
The attack was carried out professionally and gangs controlled by Serbia are suspected to be behind the crime. Kurti has not yet been able to provide any proof of this.
There is a risk of power outages
Near the town of Zubin Potok in northern Kosovo, the explosion in the evening damaged a water canal that feeds the cooling systems of two coal-fired power stations. So there is a risk of power outages. The canal also supplies drinking water to the capital Pristina, among others.
Faruk Mujka, the head of the relevant water authority, said an explosive device was thrown into the canal and damaged the wall of a bridge. The canal runs from Serbian-dominated northern Kosovo to Pristina. Images published in local media showed water flowing from the canal.
US Embassy: “We are closely monitoring the situation”
The EU Ambassador to Kosovo, Aivo Orav, condemned the act. The US embassy in Pristina spoke on social media about an “attack on critical infrastructure in Kosovo”. “We are closely monitoring the situation (…) and have assured the government of Kosovo our full support to ensure that those responsible for this criminal attack are identified and held accountable.”
There has been an increase in the number of violent incidents in northern Kosovo recently. Earlier this week, attackers threw hand grenades at a municipal building and a police station. The executive branch subsequently announced increased security measures. However, it is not clear whether the incidents are related to the explosion.
Ongoing dispute between Kosovo and Serbia
There are always disputes between Kosovo and neighboring Serbia. Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in 2008. This is not recognized by the government in Belgrade, nor by the Serb minority in Kosovo. More than 90 percent of Kosovo’s population consists of ethnic Albanians. However, in the north of the country, Serbs form the majority. Robberies often cause tensions between neighbors. Both want to go to the EU.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
