NATO Launches Baltic Sentry Mission to Safeguard Underwater Cables Amid Sabotage Suspicions
On Tuesday, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced a significant new mission aimed at protecting underwater cables in the Baltic Sea, in response to recent damage sustained by four cables between Finland and Estonia. The incident occurred on December 25, leading to heightened concerns regarding potential sabotage. Finnish police are investigating the matter, with suspicions directed towards the Eagle S, an oil tanker identified as part of Russia's so-called "ghost fleet," which was seized shortly after the damage was reported.
The announcement was made during a meeting in Helsinki, where NATO leaders from the Baltic Sea region convened. Rutte introduced the mission, dubbed "Baltic Sentry," which is designed to enhance surveillance and provide a deterrent against future attacks. This initiative will include the deployment of military ships, maritime patrol aircraft, and a range of naval drones.
Rutte highlighted the urgency of this mission, underlining that NATO has detected elements of a campaign aimed at destabilizing societies. The alleged sabotage incidents in the Baltic Sea exemplify this broader threat, prompting a robust response from NATO.
The significance of protecting these underwater cables cannot be understated. Rutte noted that over 95 percent of internet traffic in the area relies on these vital connections, which facilitate financial transactions worth an astounding $10 trillion globally every day. Safeguarding these cables is crucial not only for national security but also for the stability of international financial systems.
As tensions rise and the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, NATO's Baltic Sentry mission represents a proactive step towards ensuring the security of essential communication infrastructure in the Baltic region.
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