In response to suspected sabotage of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, NATO has announced an increase in military presence in the region. The move follows disruptions to critical infrastructure, including the Estlink 2 power cable between Finland and Estonia. Estonia has already deployed naval patrols to protect the Estlink 1 cable, signaling its readiness to defend these connections militarily if necessary.
The alleged sabotage has been linked to the "Eagle S," an oil tanker associated with Russia's shadow fleet, which may have caused the damage to the Estlink 2 cable. Finnish authorities suspect that the vessel's anchor was responsible for the disruption.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed solidarity with Finland and Estonia, emphasizing the alliance's commitment to safeguarding the region's critical infrastructure. The incidents have prompted Finland and Estonia to heighten their vigilance and call for a robust response to such acts of sabotage.
Although the repair of the damaged cables could take several months, authorities assure that there will be no significant impact on consumers. The situation has raised concerns about the security of undersea cables, which are crucial for power and communication links between countries in the region.
The heightened military presence aims to deter further sabotage attempts and ensure the security of these vital connections. As investigations continue, NATO and its member states remain focused on protecting their interests and maintaining stability in the Baltic Sea.
