Kosovo Police arrest ninth suspect in Ibër-Lepenc canal attack

Kosovo Police announced the arrest of another suspect in connection with the terrorist attack on the Ibër-Lepenc canal in Zubin Potok. The suspect, the ninth to be arrested, is believed to have played a significant role in the attack. During a raid on his residence, police seized weapons, ammunition, and military uniforms with Russian insignia.

Why is this important: The attack targeted critical infrastructure, disrupting water and energy supplies essential to Kosovo. It’s the third such incident in a week, underscoring the region’s fragile security and escalating tensions between Kosovo and Serbia.

Context: According to Kosovo Police, the operation led to the discovery of:

Four hand grenades

A hunting rifle

Over 500 rounds of ammunition

Uniforms with military insignia

Radio communication devices

The suspect has been placed under a 48-hour detention order by the Special Prosecution of Kosovo, as investigations continue.

PM Kurti’s statement: Prime Minister Albin Kurti accused Serbia of orchestrating the attack, comparing it to Russian tactics in Ukraine. “These attacks are deliberate attempts to destabilize our sovereignty and disrupt vital services,” Kurti said after briefing QUINT ambassadors. He emphasized the need for accountability, highlighting evidence linking the suspects to professional groups backed by Serbia.

Kurti also called for the extradition of Milan Radoičić, accusing him of coordinating attacks with support from Serbia’s government. Milan Radoičić, a Serbian businessman and former vice president of the Serb List, led an armed group in the September 2023 Banjska attack that killed one Kosovo police officer and three Serb militants. He has been sheltering in Serbia ever since with Serbia’s refusal to hand him over to the Kosovo authorities becoming yet another point of tensions in relations between the two countries. 

U.S. Response: U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey Hovenier called for a thorough investigation, stating it is “too early” to determine who is behind the attack.

“These incidents require careful investigation, and the U.S. supports Kosovo’s authorities in their response. Such actions against critical infrastructure are unacceptable,” Hovenier said.

What’s next: Kosovo Police are maintaining heightened security in northern Kosovo, which they describe as “calm but fragile.” NATO’s KFOR mission has increased patrols to prevent further violence, while the government seeks to balance immediate security needs with broader geopolitical concerns.