Kosovo bomb blast: Tensions with Serbia flare amid efforts to contain impact from explosion

Kosovo intensified security around critical infrastructure Saturday (November 30) following an explosion that damaged a key water canal supplying two main power plants.

The incident has escalated tensions with neighbouring Serbia, which denies involvement.

The blast occurred Friday (November 29) near Zubin Potok, a Serb-majority town in northern Kosovo, compromising the canal essential for cooling systems at coal-fired power plants responsible for most of Kosovo’s electricity.

Authorities have managed to restore water flow to 25 per cent capacity and found alternative methods to cool the power plants, ensuring electricity supply remains stable. Repair work on the canal is ongoing.

Kosovo-Serbia tensions flare up

Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced the arrest of several individuals linked to the attack, labelling it a “terrorist act” orchestrated by Serbia. He said that law enforcement conducted searches, gathered evidence, and that those responsible would face justice.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić dismissed Kurti’s accusations as “irresponsible” and “baseless,” asserting that such claims aim to tarnish Serbia’s reputation and undermine regional peace efforts.

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić suggested that the Kosovar authorities might be behind the explosion, calling for an international investigation.

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Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, a move Serbia has not recognised. Tensions persist, particularly in northern Kosovo, where the Serb minority does not acknowledge Kosovo’s statehood and maintains strong ties to Belgrade.

Recent incidents, including attacks on municipal buildings and police stations, have heightened concerns.

International community’s response

The international community continues to urge restraint and dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia to prevent further escalation and to work towards lasting peace in the region.

The European Union’s ambassador to Kosovo, Aivo Orav, called for a thorough investigation into the explosion, offering the EU’s assistance to Kosovar authorities.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned the sabotage of the Iber-Lepenc Canal, describing it as a serious crime that endangers citizens’ lives and undermines regional normalisation efforts.

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With inputs from agencies