[5][8] On 18 June 2001, the NLA agreed to let the International Red Cross and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) restart the water supply systems.

[11][12] The offensive was later halted after NATO and EU officials condemned the bombardment, citing concerns that the NLA was using civilians as human shields.

[citation needed] This NLA takeover of the reservoir which supplied water to over 100,000 inhabitants of Kumanovo, prompted an immediate Macedonian response.

[citation needed] However, Macedonian forces announced later that same day that they had ceased all operations in the Lipkovo region to allow international officials to inspect the water pumps.

[16] On June 18th, after a period of five days marked by negotiations and discussions, the NLA militants permitted a convoy led by OSCE representatives, which included expert teams from a water supply company, to enter the village.