The Swedish police are investigating sabotage after the gas leak

The gas leaks on Nord Stream 1 and 2 Two explosions next to Nord Stream before the gas leaks

Of: 

 

Jacob Ruderstam 

 

Published: Today 15.16 

 

Updated: Less than 40 min ago 

 

NEWS 

 

Measuring stations in both Sweden and Denmark registered heavy explosions before the Nord Stream leaks were discovered. 

 

Now Norwegian experts are warning of further sabotage against gas pipelines. 

 

- I think we will see an attack on Norwegian energy exports within the next six months, says Tor Ivar Strømmen at the Norwegian Naval Academy to Norwegian TV2. 

 

Measuring stations in both Sweden and Denmark registered strong underwater explosions in the same area as Nord Stream's gas leaks, reports SVT Nyheter.

 

- There is no doubt that these are explosions, says Björn Lund, lecturer in seismology at the Swedish National Seismic Networks to the channel. 

 

The police are investigating sabotage 

 

 During the day, there has been speculation as to what could be the cause of the leaks. 

 

The Swedish police have drawn up a report of a crime under the rubric of "gross sabotage". The police cooperates with the relevant authorities and follows developments. 

 

- Säpo is following the development of events closely but otherwise has nothing to add at the moment, says Säpo's press secretary Gabriel Wernstedt to Aftonbladet. 

 

The German government is worried that it could be a targeted attack. 

 

Ukraine points to Russia and calls the incident a "terrorist attack". 

 

Norwegian naval captain Tor Ivar Strømmen, a researcher at the Naval Academy, also believes that Russia is behind an attack. 

 

- The Russians have deliberately destroyed these pipelines themselves, he tells Norwegian TV2 and elaborates: 

 

- With this, Russia has effectively reduced the gas supply to Germany. And they will probably try to put the blame on someone else, preferably the Americans. 

 

 

The gas leak in the Baltic Sea. Photo: Forsvaret / Ritzau Scanpix 

 

Risk of attack within six months 

 

Strømmen also theorizes that an attack on Norway could be around the corner, as the Norwegian gas supply is important to the European economy. 

 

- Loss of Russian and Norwegian gas will lead to a collapse of Europe's economy. It had quickly become dark and cold in Europe, he says. 

 

The navy captain warns that an attack could be carried out as early as the next six months. 

 

- I think we will be able to see an attack on Norwegian energy exports already within the next six months, he says. 

 

Russia itself says it is "very concerned" about the leak on the Russian gas pipeline. 

 

Andersson: "We can act with full force" 

 

City Minister Magdalena Andersson commented on the leak on Tuesday. 

 

- I understand that many Swedes now feel worried about how this should be handled while we have a transitional government. There I can leave a reassuring message - even a transitional government can act with full force in a situation like this, Andersson tells TT. 

 

- We have ongoing contact with responsible authorities, we also have contact with governments in other countries, not least the Danish government.