In the wake of escalating tensions linked to Russia's actions in Ukraine, Sweden is looking into potential sabotage that has impacted undersea infrastructure, including an undersea telecom cable connecting Germany and Finland. The investigation follows a series of attacks that have raised alarms among European leaders.
Sweden Probes Possible Sabotage of Undersea Cable Amid Rising Tensions
Sweden Probes Possible Sabotage of Undersea Cable Amid Rising Tensions
Swedish authorities are investigating a suspected sabotage incident involving an undersea telecoms cable in the Baltic Sea.
Sweden's police have launched a preliminary investigation into possible sabotage of a crucial undersea telecoms cable that links Germany and Finland. This development comes amidst growing concerns over attacks on undersea infrastructure following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson acknowledged the cable break, emphasizing its significance in the context of heightened security concerns in the region. The Swedish coastguard has deployed a vessel to the site, east of Gotland, to assist in the investigation.
Cinia, the Finnish telecom company that owns the cable, reported slight damage to the fiber-optic line but confirmed it remains operational. This incident marks the third such occurrence affecting the cable, which was previously severed last November.
The Baltic Sea has seen a spate of undersea cable and gas pipeline damage since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, resulting in NATO launching a mission aimed at monitoring and securing these vital infrastructures.
While many European nations suspect Russian involvement in these breaches, investigations have also indicated that factors such as poor weather conditions and accidental human errors contribute to some damages. A Bulgarian vessel, the Vezhen, was recently cleared of involvement in sabotage after collision damage to the cable.
As investigations continue, NATO emphasizes the importance of safeguarding undersea communication lines in light of the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson acknowledged the cable break, emphasizing its significance in the context of heightened security concerns in the region. The Swedish coastguard has deployed a vessel to the site, east of Gotland, to assist in the investigation.
Cinia, the Finnish telecom company that owns the cable, reported slight damage to the fiber-optic line but confirmed it remains operational. This incident marks the third such occurrence affecting the cable, which was previously severed last November.
The Baltic Sea has seen a spate of undersea cable and gas pipeline damage since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, resulting in NATO launching a mission aimed at monitoring and securing these vital infrastructures.
While many European nations suspect Russian involvement in these breaches, investigations have also indicated that factors such as poor weather conditions and accidental human errors contribute to some damages. A Bulgarian vessel, the Vezhen, was recently cleared of involvement in sabotage after collision damage to the cable.
As investigations continue, NATO emphasizes the importance of safeguarding undersea communication lines in light of the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
