Estonia has launched a naval operation aimed at protecting the undersea power cable Estlink 1 in the Baltic Sea after threats to critical infrastructure in the region emerged, News.bg reports.
The decision was announced by Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, who stressed that any threat to underwater infrastructure would be met with an appropriate response.
The operation was launched a day after an incident in which Finland detained a ship on suspicion of causing a disruption to Estlink 2, another underwater power cable that connects Finland and Estonia.
Risks to underwater infrastructure
The disruption of Estlink 2 and the accompanying disruption to internet connections in the region have raised serious concerns about the security of underwater communication and power lines. Finland said the disruption of Estlink 2 had caused serious difficulties and that it would take months to repair the 170-kilometer interconnector. The possibility of a winter power outage is increasing tensions in the region, questioning the stability of the energy system.
Increased readiness in the region
The Baltic states, including Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, as well as other neighboring countries, are on high alert for potential sabotage against critical infrastructure. After a series of incidents over the past year, which have involved disruptions to gas pipelines, telecommunications links and power cables, authorities in the region are on high alert for new attacks. While some of these incidents may be due to technical malfunctions or accidents, there are serious concerns that such actions may be aimed at destabilizing the region.
Ongoing sabotage investigations
Meanwhile, investigations into various incidents in the Baltic Sea are ongoing. Swedish police are investigating the disruption of two telecommunications cables last month, with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressing concerns that it could be the result of sabotage. Finnish police are also continuing to investigate damage to the Balticconnector gas pipeline, which connects Finland and Estonia, as well as several telecommunications cables.
History of attacks on underwater infrastructure
In 2022, the "Nord Stream" gas pipelines connecting Russia and Germany, passing through the Baltic Sea, were destroyed in explosions that are still not fully understood. Germany is continuing its investigation, with the incident seen as part of wider tensions in the region, which include attacks on key energy and communications networks.
These series of incidents show the increasing vulnerability of critical underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea and highlight the importance of responding quickly and strengthening the protection of these vital links for the region.