Security experts: The scale of the attack on the Ibër-Lepenci channel exceeds that of Banjska

Retired colonel from the Kosovo Security Force (FSK), Afrim Veseli, has stated that the terrorist attack on the Ibër-Lepenci canal in Zubin Potok's Varraghe is an act organized by the state of Serbia.

According to Vesel, this is also confirmed by the statement of the Serbian president, Aleksandar Vucic, who said that Serbia will not cooperate with the Kosovo and international investigations.

Veseli on RTV Dukagjini emphasized that the attack was "well prepared" by military professionals, not by ordinary criminals.

He noted that the target was pre-determined and the criminal act involved more than ten people.

"This is not the work of ordinary people, but of trained officers, with explosives provided by the Serbian army. The route of the explosives is from Serbia," he said.

Veseli added that this attack was more serious and larger than the attack in Banjska in 2023.

He warned of the consequences such an act could have caused, including the interruption of electricity, water and basic services for three quarters of Kosovo.

"Thankfully, a humanitarian crisis that would have hit hospitals, schools and the daily lives of citizens was avoided," he added.

Analyst Agon Maliqi assessed that the intervention of security and emergency institutions was effective, preventing a catastrophe.

However, he criticized the internal political reaction, describing it as polarized and politicized.

"The terrorist attack should be seen in a wider context, that of the conflict between the West and Russia. Russia has a pattern of attacks on critical infrastructure in many NATO countries, and the events in Kosovo should be analyzed as part of this dynamic," Maliqi emphasized.

He warned that focusing only on local dynamics could obscure the strategic significance of such attacks, which are part of a broader hybrid war.

The attack in Ibër-Lepenc remains an alarming act, with large proportions and wide regional and international implications. Investigations are ongoing, while Kosovo institutions seek greater coordination with international partners to address threats to critical infrastructure.