Swedish authorities seized a ship on January 27, 2025, suspected of damaging a data cable under the Baltic Sea to Latvia. Prosecutors have initiated an investigation into the incident, which may involve sabotage, with collaboration from Sweden’s police, military, and coast guard.
- Swedish authorities seized a suspected ship.
- Initial investigation points to sabotage.
- Latvia's military observed two ships nearby.
- NATO launched "Baltic Sentry" mission recently.
- Cable damage linked to Russian activities.
- LVRTC reports minor disruptions in services.
The damaged cable is owned by Latvia’s state broadcaster, LVRTC, which reported disruptions in data transmission services but assured that most end users would remain unaffected. This incident occurs shortly after NATO launched its “Baltic Sentry” mission, aimed at enhancing security in the region following several similar incidents in 2024.
Key details include:
- Initial investigations suggest possible sabotage.
- Latvia’s military observed two ships near the damage site.
- NATO’s new mission involves increased monitoring and military presence.
NATO chief Mark Rutte expressed grave concern over infrastructure damage and indicated that the alliance would respond robustly to future incidents. This includes potential boarding and seizure of suspect vessels. The ongoing investigation also reflects broader security tensions in the region, particularly regarding Russian activities.
This incident underscores the heightened alertness among Baltic nations and NATO regarding potential threats to critical infrastructure. As investigations continue, the implications for international security and data integrity remain significant.
