NATO has announced the launch of a new naval operation in the Baltic Sea, following the recent severing of several underwater cables in the region.
The operation, known as “Sea Shield”, will be led by a team of naval experts from NATO member countries, and will focus on ensuring the safety and security of the region’s underwater infrastructure.
According to NATO officials, the operation was prompted by the recent incident in which a Russian-owned submersible vessel was discovered in the Baltic Sea, operating in close proximity to the damaged cables.
The NATO team will work to identify and locate any vessels, including the alleged Russian submersible, and to deter any potential threats to the safety of the region’s sensitive undersea infrastructure.
“We are launching this operation to ensure the security of our member countries’ underwater assets and to prevent any disruptions to the region’s critical infrastructure,” said a NATO official. “We will work closely with our allies and partners to protect the Baltic Sea and its straits, and to prevent any malicious activities that could harm the security of the region.”
The operation is part of a broader effort to strengthen NATO’s presence in the region, following increasing tensions between Russia and several NATO member states. The alliance has also increased its military presence in the region, with additional troops and equipment deployed to Eastern Europe.
The Russian government has denied any involvement in the severed cables, and has accused NATO of “speculative” accusations. However, NATO officials have stressed that the operation is not a response to any specific allegations, but rather a proactive measure to protect the region’s security and stability.
The operation is expected to continue for several weeks, and will involve the participation of several NATO member countries, including the United States, Germany, France, and others.