United States Ambassador to Kosovo Jeffrey Hovenier, said that his government is not yet in a position to draw conclusions over the responsibilities on last month’s Iber-Lepenci water pipe attack.
The diplomat made comments to Prishtina Insight when asked about the statements of his colleague, Christopher Hill, the U.S. Ambassador to Serbia. Hill had stated that “we don’t see any evidence that could lead to Belgrade (being involved).”
“But someone carried out this attack, and a full investigation must be conducted,” Hill told Serbia’s public broadcaster, RTS, on Monday.
Ambassador Hovenier emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing and that the United States is actively supporting it.
“The U.S. government is not in a position yet to say that we’ve drawn conclusions or know who is responsible for this attack. The investigation is ongoing and the United States is supporting that work actively,” Hovenier said.
“We have offered and brought FBI support here, in Kosovo, now, to work with Kosovan law enforcement directly, full time, to help identify those who are responsible and to ensure that this investigation is credible, thorough, and leads to the right conclusions,” he added.
He also stressed that the U.S. is deeply committed to assisting Kosovar authorities in conducting a transparent, comprehensive, and reliable investigation, adhering to best practices in law enforcement.
The attack on November 29 in Varage, Zubin Potok, which left parts of Kosovo without water for several days, has been categorized as “terrorist” by both the Kosovar authorities and the European Union.
Hovenier condemned the “horrible” attack, noting that while it is too early to know who is responsible, “no group or state can be ruled out.”
Prime Minister Albin Kurti accused Serbia on the night of the attack, claiming that it was using methods similar to those employed by Russia in its war against Ukraine.
“I don’t have the names of those who set off the explosion, but I know one thing: criminal elements, even if officially members of Civil Protection or the Civil Brigade, have the support and direction of official Belgrade,” Kurti said.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic denied that Serbia had any connection to the attack.
“The investigations will reveal who carried it out because we are also conducting our own inquiries. We have certain suspicions, but the investigations will show who ordered the attack,” Vucic stated.
Kosovo’s Police Director, Gazmend Hoxha, confirmed that the investigation into the Ibar-Lepenc attack is ongoing, with several operations conducted and evidence being examined by the Kosovo Police in laboratories both within and outside Kosovo.
The cost to repair the damage caused to the Ibar-Lepenc canal in Zubin Potok in November is estimated at around 400,000 euros, according to Faruk Mujka, the Chief of the Ibar-Lepenc Aqueduct, on December 19, 2024. The repair work is expected to be completed by June 30, 2025.
The explosion, which affected water supply to several cities and power plants, was caused by approximately 20 kilograms of explosives, according to Kosovo Police. This attack is considered the most severe on Kosovo’s critical infrastructure since the 1998/99 war.
The day after the attack, Kosovo’s Special Prosecution conducted several raids at various locations, seizing weapons and equipment. Over 200 military uniforms, six rocket launchers (three of which had been used), three hand grenades, two AK-47 assault rifles, a revolver, ammunition of various calibers, parts of weapons, explosive fuse igniters, military helmets, masks, knives, euros, dinars, and other equipment were seized across 10 locations.
So far, two individuals have been arrested in connection with the attack on the Ibar-Lepenc canal.
The Basic Court in Prishtina has ordered one month of pretrial detention for Dragisa Vicentijevic, who was arrested on suspicion of participating in the terrorist attack.
According to the prosecution, Vicentijevic is suspected of committing the criminal act of “endangering the constitutional order by destroying or damaging public installations and equipment.” During a raid at his home, weapons and ammunition were found, leading to additional charges of “illegal possession of firearms.”
On December 2, Kosovo Police announced the arrest of another suspect, identified as J.V., believed to have played a significant role in the group responsible for the attack.
Police, in cooperation with Kosovo’s Special Prosecution, raided J.V.’s home, seizing four hand grenades, a hunting rifle, over 500 rounds of ammunition, two AK-47 magazines, a long rifle magazine, a radio communication device, binoculars, a camouflage camera, military uniforms, and various documents as evidence.
