Eight people have been arrested in connection with what Kosovo police have classified as a terrorist attack on a water channel in northern Kosovo at the end of last week.

Kosovo's Minister of Internal Affairs Xhelal Svecla has accused Serbia of orchestrating the attack, targeting the Iber-Lepenci canal which supplies water to several municipalities, including parts of Pristina, and cools thermal power plants in Obiliq.

He described the attack as one of the most severe assaults on critical infrastructure in post-war Kosovo, Kosovo's broadcaster RTK reported on November 30.

Svecla said that extensive raids were carried out early on November 28 across ten locations, resulting in the arrests and the confiscation of weapons, explosives, military uniforms, and other equipment. “The government of Kosovo will ensure that all criminals and terrorists responsible are brought to justice,” Svecla said.

Svecla claimed the explosive material used in the attack was likely sourced from Serbian military stockpiles. “The explosive is difficult to obtain and is typically reserved for army use,” he stated. 

“We hold Serbia directly responsible for this terrorist act.” He linked the incident to a pattern of violence allegedly directed by Belgrade, calling the recent grenade attacks in Zvecan part of a broader campaign.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic denied any involvement, accusing Pristina of unjustly blaming Belgrade. “Serbia has nothing to do with these events,” Vucic stated, adding it was “a major hybrid assault” and that Serbia is conducting its own investigation, according to Serbian broadcaster RTS.

Kosovo police director Gazmend Hoxha detailed the findings from the raids, which included over 200 military uniforms, hand grenades, AK-47 rifles, revolvers, ammunition, and detonators.

In a separate operation in Zvecan, additional firearms and military equipment were seized. Hoxha reported that 15–20 kilograms of explosives were used in the Iber-Lepenci attack, causing significant damage to water infrastructure and risking severe energy system disruptions.

“This was the third attack in the past 72 hours targeting critical infrastructure in the predominantly Serb-inhabited northern region,” Hoxha noted. “These coordinated efforts are a direct threat to Kosovo’s security and stability.”

Kosovan authorities have recorded ten explosive attacks in Serb-majority areas since June 2024, targeting citizens, property, institutions and infrastructure. Svecla and Hoxha described the assaults as attempts to destabilise Kosovo.

As investigations continue, Kosovo has vowed to strengthen its security measures and bring those responsible to justice.