Tue Jan 14 13:21:00 UTC 2025: ## NATO Launches “Baltic Sentry” Mission to Protect Undersea Cables
**Helsinki, Finland** – NATO is launching a new mission, codenamed “Baltic Sentry,” to safeguard critical undersea cables in the Baltic Sea region following a series of concerning incidents, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte announced Tuesday. The mission, involving frigates, maritime patrol aircraft, and a fleet of naval drones, will enhance surveillance and deterrence in the area.
The announcement comes after several high-profile incidents, including the September 2022 explosions that damaged the Nord Stream pipelines, the October 2023 damage to a Finland-Estonia gas pipeline caused by a ship’s anchor, and a recent subsea cable damage incident near Finland that resulted in the detention of the Eagle S tanker. While no one has claimed responsibility for the Nord Stream incident, Russia has made unsubstantiated claims that the US and UK were involved.
Rutte highlighted the critical importance of undersea cables, stating that they secure over 95% of internet traffic and facilitate an estimated $10 trillion in daily financial transactions. He described a pattern of actions aimed at destabilizing NATO societies, including cyberattacks, assassinations, and potential sabotage of undersea cables. He stressed that NATO will not tolerate attacks on its critical infrastructure and will respond accordingly.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson echoed the concern, calling the recent increase in damage incidents “totally unacceptable,” while remaining cautious about assigning blame. The Baltic Sentry mission represents a significant commitment by NATO to protect its vital infrastructure and maintain regional stability.
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