Kosovo Canal Explosion Threatens Water and Power Supplies, Blame Sparks Diplomatic Clash

Kosovo accuses Serbia of orchestrating the attack on critical infrastructure, a claim Serbia vehemently denies as international calls for calm intensify.

An explosion severely damaged the Ibar-Lepenac canal in northern Kosovo, a key water source for thousands and two major power plants, raising fears of electricity shortages.
Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti has blamed Serbia for the attack, calling it a 'criminal and terrorist act' executed by professionals, while Serbia denies involvement and calls the accusations baseless.
The canal damage has reduced water supply to about 25% capacity, threatening both drinking water access and the cooling systems of Kosovo's main coal-fired power plants.
International actors, including the EU, US, France, and Turkey, have condemned the attack and urged restraint to prevent further escalation of tensions in the already volatile region.
The incident follows a series of violent events in northern Kosovo, highlighting ongoing tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, which has never recognized Kosovo's independence declared in 2008.