Tensions with Serbia rise as efforts to contain blast fallout – Firstpost

Kosovo increased security around critical infrastructure on Saturday (November 30) after an explosion damaged a key water canal supplying two main power plants.

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

The explosion occurred on Friday (Nov. 29) near Zubin Potok, a Serb-majority town in northern Kosovo, destroying a duct needed for cooling systems at coal-fired power plants responsible for most of Kosovo’s electricity.

Authorities were able to restore water capacity to 25 percent and find alternative methods to cool power plants, guaranteeing a stable power supply. Repair work on the canal continues.

Tensions between Kosovo and Serbia escalate

Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced the arrest of several people involved in the attack, calling it a “terrorist act” orchestrated by Serbia. He said law enforcement had conducted searches, collected evidence and that those responsible would be brought to justice.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic rejected Kurti’s accusations as “irresponsible” and “baseless”, saying such statements were aimed at tarnishing Serbia’s reputation and undermining regional peace efforts.

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric suggested that Kosovo authorities may be behind the explosion and called for an international investigation.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but Serbia has not recognized the move. Tensions remain, especially in northern Kosovo, where the Serb minority does not recognize Kosovo’s statehood and maintains strong ties with Belgrade.

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

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

EU Ambassador to Kosovo Aivo Orav called for a thorough investigation into the explosion, offering EU assistance to Kosovo authorities.

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned the sabotage of the Iber-Lepenz canal, calling it a serious crime that endangers the lives of citizens and undermines regional normalization efforts.

With the participation of agencies