Sweden investigates possible underwater cable damage in Baltic Sea

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has confirmed the potential damage to an underwater cable in the Baltic Sea, with local authorities now investigating the incident.

In a statement shared on social media platform X, Kristersson noted that the Swedish Coast Guard had confirmed the report of potential damage to the cable, located near the island of Gotland, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media. 

The Swedish Armed Forces are also aware of the situation, and a preliminary investigation has been launched by the public prosecutor's office.

Kristersson said that he had already been informed about the possible new cable damage in the Baltic Sea and that the relevant authorities investigating the incident were regularly updating the government.

The prime minister underscored that any damage to critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea is taken seriously by the government. If confirmed, this would mark the latest in a series of similar incidents in the region in recent months. In response to growing concerns, NATO member states have initiated operations to increase patrols in both the waters and airspace of the Baltic Sea.

Underwater cable damage in the Baltic Sea has become a growing concern in recent months, particularly due to the strategic importance of these cables for global communications and energy transmission. The Baltic Sea is home to several critical underwater cables, including those used for transmitting electricity between countries and those facilitating international data exchange. 

In recent months, there have been multiple reports of unexplained damage to these cables, raising suspicions of potential sabotage or natural incidents. The damage has prompted an increased focus on the security of these vital infrastructures, with NATO and local authorities intensifying surveillance and investigation efforts in the region. The damage to such cables can have significant economic and security implications, making it a high-priority issue for governments surrounding the Baltic Sea. The situation has sparked discussions about the need for enhanced protection of critical infrastructure in the region.

By Naila Huseynova