Explosion Heightens Tensions Between Kosovo and Serbia

An explosion on Friday evening severely damaged a canal in northern Kosovo, which supplies water to two coal-fired power plants responsible for most of the country's electricity. The blast, labeled a 'terrorist act' by Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti, has been attributed to criminal elements allegedly directed by Serbia, although no concrete evidence has been provided. This incident has heightened tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, especially in the ethnically divided north where Serb minorities do not recognize Kosovo's statehood. Security measures have been intensified following recent attacks involving hand grenades in the region. There have been no injuries reported, but significant concerns remain about the potential for power shortages if repairs are not completed promptly. Serbia has denied involvement in the attack, labeling the accusations as unfounded.