Latvian Navy Deploys Warship Amid Fears of Undersea Cable Sabotage
Latvia has taken significant action by dispatching a warship to patrol its waters following reports of damage to a fiber optic cable connecting to Sweden, an incident suspected to involve external interference. The Latvian navy stated during a briefing that they have identified a suspicious vessel, the Michalis San, spotted near the incident's location alongside two other ships. Tracking data indicates that the Michalis San was en route to Russia, raising concerns among regional authorities about possible disruptions instigated by Russian activities.
In recent months, nations surrounding the Baltic Sea have intensified their defense strategies, especially in light of several undersea cables being severed, which many experts and political leaders attribute to a hybrid warfare campaign orchestrated by Russia in the context of ongoing tensions related to Ukraine. To bolster its defensive posture, NATO recently announced the initiation of a new monitoring mission in the Baltic region, deploying patrol ships and aircraft aimed at deterring any further attempts to sabotage vital underwater infrastructure.
Latvian navy commander Maris Polencs emphasized the promptness of their response, stating, "We have a warship patrolling the Baltic Sea around the clock, enabling us to swiftly address any incidents involving our cables."
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina confirmed collaboration with Swedish authorities to assess the damage and clarify the circumstances surrounding the cable disruption. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson reported being in constant communication with Silina, affirming that at least one data cable owned by a Latvian entity has suffered damage while traversing the Baltic Sea.
This incident has raised alarms as it took place within Swedish territorial waters, at depths exceeding 50 meters, making repair efforts challenging. The cable in question belongs to Latvia's state radio and television center (LVRTC), which acknowledged disruptions in data transmission services. Although LVRTC has arranged alternative options to minimize the impact on end users, some delays in data transmission speeds are expected. They have also initiated criminal proceedings to investigate potential wrongdoing based on early findings that suggest significant damage caused by external factors.
Expressing solidarity with Latvia and Sweden, European Union President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the issue via social media, underscoring the importance of ensuring the resilience and security of critical infrastructure. "The protection of our essential infrastructure is a top priority for the EU," von der Leyen stated, highlighting the broader implications of such incidents not only for the immediate nations involved but also for regional security and stability.
As efforts continue to unravel the specifics of this incident and its motivations, the reactions from Latvia, Sweden, and NATO signify a critical moment of vigilance and cooperation in the face of rising geopolitical tensions in the Baltic Sea area.
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