A powerful explosion shook a village in Kosovo’s Zubin Potok municipality on November 29, damaging the Ibar-Lepenac canal, a vital water supply channel. The blast disrupted water distribution to surrounding areas, including Gracanica, and caused temporary power outages, which were restored within hours.

The canal also supplies water to two major coal-fired power plants that provide electricity to most of Kosovo. Prime Minister Albin Kurti accused Serbia of orchestrating the incident, labelling it a “criminal and terrorist attack” targeting Kosovo’s infrastructure. There were no reports of injuries, but the exact cause of the explosion remains unclear.

“This is a criminal and terrorist attack aimed at destroying our infrastructure,” Kurti stated, adding that the explosion was designed to damage vital infrastructure, undermining national security and disrupting everyday life.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic denied any involvement, calling the accusations baseless and harmful to regional peace efforts. "Unfounded claims against Serbia, made without evidence, are irresponsible and aimed at damaging Serbia's reputation," Vucic stated, calling for a thorough and impartial investigation.

Kosovan police have increased security at sensitive sites and are intensively investigating the incident, which they have identified as a deliberate terrorist act. “This was a coordinated attack carried out by suspect(s),” the police said, confirming the involvement of Kosovo’s security institutions and international partners in the investigation.

The explosion follows two other attacks within the past 72 hours, raising concerns about escalating threats to Kosovo’s infrastructure. An extraordinary meeting of the Security Council, led by Kurti, was held on November 30 to address the situation.

Kurti highlighted potential links between the attacks and broader geopolitical issues, including Russia’s recent strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Kosovo’s Security Council has introduced measures to bolster the protection of critical infrastructure, including bridges, canals, and energy facilities. Enhanced inter-agency and international cooperation aims to prevent future attacks.

“Our country is determined to protect its citizens and infrastructure,” Kurti said. “We call on all international actors to condemn this attack and support efforts to restore normalcy.”

Economy Minister Artane Rizvanolli said in a Facebook post on November 30 that electricity supply for the country and central heating for the citizens of Pristina has been ensured by the installation of six temporary pipes with sufficient capacity to provide water for cooling of the Kosova B thermal power plant.

The ministry is also working with the Energy Corporation of Albania to provide additional energy in case of reductions in supply from Kosovo's power plants.

The Nato-led KFOR mission strongly condemned the attack, stressing the importance of holding those responsible accountable.

Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic said that he is concerned that Kurti will use the incident for further pressure and attacks on the Serbian community, to enable Kosovo security forces to enter the north of Kosovo, where they are not allowed under international agreements.

"Kurti’s primary objective is to secure permission for the so-called Kosovo Security Forces to enter northern Kosovo, where they are currently prohibited,” Vucevic said.

“He is using the incident as leverage to pressure the international community, particularly KFOR, to relent and allow the Kosovo Security Forces to operate in northern Kosovo and Metohija, which they are not authorised to do," Vucevic said.

Kosovo-online reported that on the morning of November 30, special units began gathering in South Mitrovica. By around 1:00 p.m., they crossed into North Mitrovica, populated mainly with ethnic Serbs, via the main bridge over the Ibar.

The units have been deployed in columns, with at least four to five members stationed at every intersection in the city. They are also positioned in front of buildings, and patrols are actively monitoring the streets.

Relations between Kosovo and Serbia have been strained since Kosovo declared independence in 2008, a move Serbia has refused to recognise. The tensions, rooted in historical conflicts and ethnic divisions, stem from the 1998–1999 Kosovo War and remain a central issue in regional stability and EU-facilitated negotiations.