Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has accused Milan Radoičić, a businessman from northern Kosovo, of orchestrating the attack on the Ibar-Lepenac canal on November 29, with Serbia allegedly providing the financing, planning, and logistical support for the operation. Speaking at a press conference, Kurti cited intelligence reports as the basis for these claims.
Serbia’s Alleged Role in the Attack
According to Kurti, the attack represents a continuation of destabilizing activities conducted by Serbian influence mechanisms in Kosovo. He claimed that Serbia’s backing of Radoičić’s group, which he labeled a “terrorist organization,” demonstrates coordination between the Serbian state and these actors as part of a broader hybrid war against Kosovo.
“The attack on the Ibar-Lepenac canal on November 29 is part of a series of terrorist acts aimed at destabilizing Kosovo. Such operations require professional preparation in sabotage, and given that Milan Radoičić is supported by Serbian state structures, it is evident that the explosion was carried out with Serbia’s planning and logistical support,” Kurti stated.
Details of the Attack
The attack took place in the village of Vranje in the municipality of Zubin Potok. Explosives weighing up to 20 kilograms were used to damage the canal, which is a critical part of Kosovo’s infrastructure. The Ibar-Lepenac canal supplies water from Lake Ujman to northern Kosovo, including the Mitrovica and Prishtina regions, and serves the Kosovo Energy Corporation by cooling its thermal power plants.
Kosovo officials described the incident as the most serious attack on the country’s critical infrastructure since the 1998-1999 war. The attack has been strongly condemned by both the United States and the European Union, with calls for those responsible to be brought to justice.
US and EU Involvement
The U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo, Jeffrey Hovenier, confirmed that FBI agents are directly involved in the investigation to identify the perpetrators. However, U.S. Ambassador to Serbia Christopher Hill stated on December 23 that there is no evidence directly linking the Serbian government to the attack.
Kurti, however, dismissed such claims, arguing that the operation could not have been executed by Radoičić’s group without direct support from Serbian state structures. He suggested that the attack was part of a deliberate strategy to damage critical infrastructure, disrupt interethnic relations, and create a climate of fear and instability in Kosovo.
“These actions not only harm vital infrastructure but also provoke interethnic incidents and foster panic among citizens, portraying Kosovo as an unstable country,” Kurti said.
Chronology of Attacks
Kurti also presented a timeline of 15 separate attacks, which he alleged were carried out between June 30 and November 29, culminating in the Ibar-Lepenac canal incident. According to him, these attacks are part of a coordinated campaign to harm Kosovo through acts of terrorism.
Radoičić’s Continued Influence
Kurti stated that Milan Radoičić has authorized multiple attacks in Kosovo throughout the year. Despite international condemnation, Belgrade’s refusal to extradite Radoičić has, according to Kurti, emboldened his group to continue acts against Kosovo’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Kosovo authorities are actively seeking Radoičić, who has been linked to previous violent incidents, including the September 2023 attack in Banjska. During that attack, a group of armed Serbs ambushed the Kosovo Police, killing one officer. Kosovo labeled the incident a terrorist act and accused Serbia of orchestrating it, though Belgrade denied the allegations.
International Sanctions on Radoičić
Milan Radoičić, a former politician and businessman, is currently on the sanctions list of both the United States and the United Kingdom due to allegations of corruption and organized crime. His activities have drawn widespread criticism for their destabilizing effects on the region.
The Ibar-Lepenac canal attack has underscored the ongoing tensions in northern Kosovo and the challenges in addressing cross-border security threats. While investigations continue, Kurti’s claims have added new urgency to the international community’s calls for accountability and stability in the region.
