New Cable Breaks in Finland Cause Alarm: Minister Takes Situation 'Very Seriously'
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World
December 3, 2024 12:30
stockholm - Recent cable breaks in Finland have raised concerns, with one cable intentionally damaged near Helsinki and investigations ongoing for another break. The Finnish government is closely monitoring the situation, with authorities cooperating with Sweden. This incident comes after previous disruptions in the Nordic region, highlighting the vulnerability of critical infrastructure.
Recent cable breaks in Finland have sparked alarm after an underground internet cable near Helsinki was deliberately damaged, discovered on Tuesday with the incident believed to have occurred on Monday afternoon. Finnish police and authorities suspect a deliberate act of sabotage. 'We take the situation very seriously,' stated Finnish Communications Minister Lulu Ranne. One of the cable breaks was accidentally caused by a digging machine, while the cause of the other break is still under investigation.
Finnish police are collaborating closely with Swedish authorities in investigating the cable breaks. Swedish Public Works Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin noted, 'The police are examining the events, and due to the circumstances, there are suspicions of sabotage. The government is in contact with the responsible authorities and is monitoring the situation closely.'
These incidents occur amidst heightened focus on critical infrastructure in the Nordic countries. In mid-November, two data cables on the floor of the Baltic Sea were damaged almost simultaneously. A Chinese freighter, departing from a Russian oil port, was reportedly responsible for dragging its anchor intentionally over the seabed during a 160 km voyage. The ship, at a standstill since November 19, is being observed by Danish and Swedish naval vessels.
'Modern society is vulnerable. We also learn from Ukraine that military installations aren't the only targets in conflicts; civilian infrastructure crucial for society's functioning is also vulnerable,' remarked Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in response to these incidents.
The cables in the Baltic Sea have been repaired, and immediate repairs have commenced in Finland following the latest break. Most affected Finns have had their internet connections restored.