Sweden investigates Baltic cable damage as Nato ramps up patrols in the region

An undersea fibre optic cable linking Sweden and Latvia has been damaged, prompting a Swedish sabotage investigation and a Nato response in the Baltic Sea.

Swedish authorities have seized a vessel as part of their inquiry into Sunday's incident, with senior prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist confirming: "We are now carrying out a number of concrete investigative measures, but I cannot go into what they consist of due to the ongoing preliminary investigation."

The damage to the cable, located in Sweden's exclusive economic zone, is believed to have been caused by external influence, Latvian officials said.

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Nato has since increased patrols in the region under its recently launched Baltic Sentry mission.

The Baltic region has faced a series of infrastructure incidents following Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, including damage to power cables, telecom links, and gas pipelines.

Nato and Baltic Sea nations have ramped up efforts to secure critical infrastructure amid heightened tensions.

Latvian prime minister Evika Silina confirmed the extent of the damage, saying: "We have determined that there is most likely external damage and that it is significant."

Her government is coordinating with Nato and neighbouring countries to determine what caused the incident.

Swedish and Latvian naval assets have inspected multiple vessels in the area.

One such ship, the Malta-flagged bulk carrier Vezhen, was escorted to Swedish waters on Sunday evening.

The ship later anchored near the Swedish naval base at Karlskrona. Swedish officials have not confirmed whether or not the Vezhen is linked to the damage.

Nato's statement said: "Nato ships and aircraft are working together with national resources from the Baltic Sea countries to investigate and, if necessary, take action."

Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson echoed the alliance's stance, confirming close cooperation with Nato and Latvia.

Last week, Nato deployed frigates, patrol aircraft, and naval drones to bolster protection for undersea infrastructure.

The alliance has signalled its intent to take action against vessels posing security risks.

The damaged cable connects Ventspils in Latvia, to Gotland, Sweden.