Eight arrests made after explosion hits key infrastructure in Kosovo
Dec 02, 2024
Pristina [Kosovo], December 2: Police in Kosovo have made eight arrests after an explosion damaged key infrastructure in the country's north, sparking renewed tensions with neighbouring Serbia.
No injuries were reported in the blast on Friday, which targeted a water pipe that supplies two important coal-fired power plants in northern Kosovo. It was the third such incident in three days in the region, which has a significant population of ethnic Serbs.
Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti said on X: "These acts are the work of terrorist organizations, with a high likelihood that they are supported by Belgrade, in an unsuccessful attempt to undermine a democracy that is strong and resilient."
The party of ethnic Serbs in Kosovo, Srpska Lista, condemned the damage to the canal and demanded an investigation by the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) and the EU rule-of-law mission EULEX. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic described Kurti's accusations as unfounded, "premature and without evidence."
Police chief Gazmend Hoxha said the explosion on the canal is being categorised as an act of terrorism.
Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla said raids were carried out at ten different locations following the incident. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Tribune