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Explosion damages canal feeding Kosovo's primary power plants

An explosion on Friday evening damaged a canal in northern Kosovo providing water to 2 coalfired power plants that produce almost all of the nation's electrical power, Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated, blaming what he called a terrorist act by neighbouring Serbia.

There were no instant reports of injuries and the reason for the blast, which likewise affected drinking water materials, was not clear. Serbian officials did not react to ask for comment, and Reuters found no immediate proof of Belgrade's. involvement.

This is a criminal and terrorist attack with the objective to. ruin our critical facilities, Kurti said in a televised. address. He stated that some of the nation could be without power. if the problem is not repaired by early morning.

In an indication of ethnic tensions between the two Balkan. countries, Kurti echoed Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani by blaming. Serbian criminal gangs without providing proof.

Earlier on Friday, Kosovo cops announced increased. security steps after 2 recent attacks where hand grenades. were tossed at a police headquarters and town structure in. northern Kosovo where ethnic Serbians live. It was unclear if. the incidents were connected.

Local media showed pictures of part of the canal destroyed. and dripping water and a heavy authorities existence at the website.

Faruk Mujka, the head of water company Ibar-Lepenci, told. regional news website Kallxo that an explosive gadget was tossed. into the canal and harmed the wall of a bridge.

He said the water supply, which likewise feeds drinking water to. the capital Pristina, should be halted to fix the issue as soon. as possible given that it was the main channel for supplying Kosovo. Energy Corporation (KEK), the country's main power provider.

Self-reliance for ethnic Albanian-majority Kosovo can be found in. 2008, almost a decade after a guerrilla uprising versus Serbian. guideline. However stress persist, primarily in the north where the. Serb minority refuses to acknowledge Kosovo's statehood and still. sees Belgrade as their capital.

The EU's Kosovo ambassador, Aivo Orav, condemned the. attack that he stated was currently depriving significant parts of. Kosovo from supply of water.

(source: Reuters)