Heightened security measures are evident across northern Kosovo after an explosion damaged the Ibar-Lepenac canal on Friday. The canal, critical for both potable water supply and cooling the Kosovo B thermal power plant, was severely impacted.
Kosovo Police (KP) have reinforced their presence in the area since the incident, deploying officers from other regions to assist in maintaining public order, according to KP. While repairs to the canal continue, officers are conducting field searches near the explosion site in Donje Varage, Zubin Potok.
Weapons Confiscated but Not Linked to Explosion
Deputy Commander of Kosovo Police for the Northern Region, Veton Elshani, stated that searches have resulted in the confiscation of three hunting rifles. However, these weapons are not believed to be connected to the explosion.
“We are clearing the area near Varage. During these activities, officers entered homes and confiscated hunting rifles, but these are unrelated to the incident,” Elshani explained.
Kosovo Police arrested eight individuals on Saturday. The arrests, according to Pristina officials, targeted individuals allegedly linked to „criminal and terrorist activities“ and a group known as the „Civil Defense,“ designated as a terrorist organization by Kosovo last year.
Raids were conducted yesterday at ten locations, uncovering a significant cache of weapons and equipment, including over 200 military uniforms, six bombs, two AK-47 rifles, explosive materials, military helmets, camouflage gear, and cash in euros and dinars.
Police Assure Public of Safety Efforts
In Zubin Potok and North Mitrovica, heavily armed officers are patrolling the streets, including key locations like Mitrovica’s promenade. Elshani emphasized that the police presence, though visibly heightened, is aimed at ensuring public safety rather than targeting residents.
“Due to recent events, we had to increase our presence, not against citizens but for their safety and to investigate the case,” Elshani stated, noting that additional units were also dispatched to towns across the North – Leposavic, Zvecan.
He added that the decision to deploy reinforcements was made after a meeting of Kosovo’s National Security Council, which called for additional measures to secure critical infrastructure and bolster interinstitutional and international collaboration.
Elshani confirmed that Kosovo Police are working closely with KFOR and EULEX, though he declined to provide details on specific joint activities.
Repair Work Ongoing at Damaged Canal
Efforts to repair the canal are progressing. Media reports indicate that pipes installed immediately after the explosion have been reinforced with concrete slabs.
However, water continues to leak, causing issues for local residents, including the Lazarević family, whose home sustained damage from the initial surge of water.
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