Novosti: BIA uncovered that members of the Kosovo Police organized sabotage on the Ibar-Lepenac canal

Through operational activities aimed at investigating the sabotage of the Ibar-Lepenac canal in northern Kosovo, which took place on November 29, 2024, Novosti reports that the Security-Information Agency (BIA) has obtained information indicating that the sabotage was carried out by an organized criminal group whose members include officers of the Kosovo Police.

According to Novosti, the operation was conducted under the orders of Kosovo Police officer Mehmet Terbunja, known as “Meho,” who is responsible for the North Mitrovica region.

The article adds that Terbunja is locally known as someone who frequently abuses his official position. By using threats and pressure, Terbunja reportedly coerces the local population into engaging in activities that are often illegal. There is also intelligence suggesting Terbunja is involved in drug trafficking through contacts with criminal groups in Kosovo.

Members of the criminal group who participated in the sabotage operation on Terbunja’s orders include: Fehim Pantina, a member of the Kosovo Police and former head of the Regional Unit for the Kosovska Mitrovica district specializing in explosives, as well as other police officers Ismajl Ujkani, Rafet Peci, Bujar Berisha, Idriz Idrizi, Rexha Kastrati, Ajet Latifi, Faton Rafuna, Hisni Sala, and Enis Atifi.

Operational findings obtained by the Security-Information Agency point to the explosion on the Ibar-Lepenac canal as being a premeditated and organized act by Kosovo government structures, backed by a prearranged political platform and narrative aimed at continuing the campaign of terror against the Serbian population.

Supporting this claim are statements by Albin Kurti, who—before any investigation had taken place and without presenting relevant evidence—accused Serbia, Serbian institutions, and the local Serbian population of the act. At the same time, Kurti used the incident as justification for further intimidation and repression of Serbs in Kosovo, increasing control and pressure on the Serbian community.

Following the incident, and under orders from Kosovo authorities, house searches were conducted in Serbian homes, the number of Kosovo Police officers in North Mitrovica was increased, and under the pretext of “greater security for the population and energy infrastructure,” surveillance cameras were installed and drone monitoring intensified, Novosti reports.

By creating an atmosphere of fear and spreading false claims about security threats allegedly coming from the Serbian side, Kurti has paved the way for further militarization of northern Kosovo.