At this stage, the United States is not in a position to say who is responsible, but has offered its full support to Kosovo authorities in investigating the recent sabotage of the Ibar-Lepenac canal, emphasizing the importance of holding those responsible accountable. This was the key message from U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey Hovenier following a meeting between Quint members and Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti.
The attack, which involved placing 15–20 kilograms of explosives on Friday evening, has been classified by the U.S. as a „horrendous attack“ on critical infrastructure. Ambassador Hovenier reiterated this stance during his statement.
„On behalf of the United States, I want to say what we’ve already said: We condemn, strongly as we possibly can, this horrendous attack on Kosovo’s critical infrastructure, jeopardizing the country’s power supply, heating, and drinking water. The U.S. supports a comprehensive investigation and offers full assistance to Kosovo authorities in this investigation. We think it’s important that those responsible are identified and held accountable. These violent actions are inexcusable,“ Hovenier said.
He also praised the swift response by Kosovo authorities in mitigating the damage, as well as the support of international institutions.
„We commend the emergency response by the authorities of Kosovo in helping resolve what could have been a horrible situation. We stand ready to support the people of Kosovo, and we stand in solidarity with the government of Kosovo. We also welcome very much the support that has been provided by the European Union, EULEX, KFOR, and others,“ he added.
Addressing journalists’ questions about Serbia’s potential involvement, Ambassador Hovenier stressed the need for a careful and credible investigation.
“At this stage, the U.S. is not in a position to say who is responsible for the attack… It’s too early, and these matters require meticulous investigation. We cannot exclude any group or state, nor can we draw premature conclusions,” he said.
“Terrorist” Attack
Head of the EU Office in Kosovo Aivo Orav emphasized that the EU’s position had already been made clear by Borrell and declined to repeat it. Josep Borrell, the EU’s High Representative, previously labeled the attack as “terrorist.”
Meanwhile, Kosovo officials and media have accused Serbia and individuals linked to its leadership, including President Aleksandar Vučić and Milan Radoičić, as the orchestrators of the attack. Belgrade has denied these allegations, which have further heightened tensions in the region. Kosovo authorities have also drawn connections to Russia, framing the incident in the broader context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Kurti Accuses Serbia of Orchestrating Attacks on Kosovo’s Infrastructure
Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, asserted today that the recent attack on critical infrastructure in the north was carried out by „professional groups and individuals supported and directed by Serbia.“
Kurti made this claim at a meeting with members of the diplomatic corps in Pristina, convened at his initiative following Friday night’s explosive detonation at a key junction of the Ibar-Lepenac canal in Donje Varage, northern Kosovo.
The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to diplomats for their support and reiterated that the incident was a „kinetic attack“ targeting Kosovo’s critical infrastructure.
According to Kurti, the objective was to disrupt electricity production and water supply to a significant part of the country. He described it as the „third attack within 72 hours on the Republic of Kosovo“, following assaults on November 26 and 28 at a police station in Zvečan and near a municipal facility.
Kurti emphasized that „indications show“ Serbian involvement in orchestrating the attack. He also linked the events to the broader geopolitical context, drawing a parallel with the ongoing war in Ukraine:
„Just a few days ago, we witnessed a similar attack on critical infrastructure in Ukraine, targeted by Russian missiles.“
He also claimed that uniforms and insignia of Russian military units were allegedly found during subsequent raids.
Kurti briefed diplomats on the progress of the investigation, stating that arrests have already been made, with suspects linked to the attack detained. Evidence, including weapons, explosives, and other equipment, has reportedly been seized.
The Prime Minister also called for the extradition and arrest of Milan Radoičić, whom he described as the „chief criminal and terrorist“ still at large in Serbia. Kurti accused Radoičić of organizing and planning attacks against Kosovo with the backing of official Belgrade and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
„Serbia continues to support terrorist groups with weapons, finances, and logistics, which has led to a series of attacks following the incident in Banjska, culminating in this latest act of terror on the Ibar-Lepenac canal,“ Kurti stated.
Arrests and Speculations
During police raids at 10 locations on Saturday, Kosovo Police officials reported at an emergency press conference the arrest of eight individuals and the seizure of weapons and equipment as material evidence. The confiscated items included over 200 military uniforms, four Kalashnikov rifles, six rocket-propelled grenade launchers, four pistols, ammunition, and other related equipment.
Among those detained was Dušan Milanović from Leposavić, the founder of the Kosovo Online portal and owner of the company „VIM Info.“ Kosovo authorities accused him of terrorism and alleged that he was the administrator of the Telegram channel „Koridor.“ Milanović was released today.
The police continued their operations on Sunday, conducting additional arrests and seizures. Early in the day, an individual was detained in North Mitrovica, but authorities later confirmed they were not connected to the sabotage of the canal, and the individual was subsequently released. Later that day, another person, identified as J.V., was arrested. According to police, J.V. played a „significant role“ in the damage to the Ibar-Lepenac Canal. Weapons and ammunition were found in J.V.’s residence, and they remain in police custody.
Kosovo Police have yet to provide further details about the status of the other detainees. However, it has been confirmed that one individual has been placed under a one-month detention order on suspicion of direct involvement in the explosion.
The Kosovo Special Prosecutor’s Office released updated figures today, stating that out of the 10 individuals initially detained in connection with the damage to the canal in Donje Varage, only one remains in custody.
Several Serbian sources have reported since Saturday that most of the initial arrests were made in error and that many detainees have already been released. These claims were supported by testimonies our team gathered on the ground.
Read more:
KFOR Rejects Kosovo’s Request to Deploy KSF in the North
Sveçla and Hoxha: Eight Arrested, Raids at Ten Locations Yield 200 Uniforms, AK-47s, and Explosives
Vučić Responds to Kosovo Canal Sabotage Allegations: ‘Baseless and Reckless’
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