On September 26, seismologists reported explosions occurring near the unusual gas leaks at Nord Stream pipelines that carry natural gas from Russia to Europe. On Thursday, after conducting a criminal investigation in the vicinity of the gas leaks, Sweden’s national security service said that the conclusion from the investigation “strengthened the suspicions of gross sabotage.”
Sweden’s Security Service said that they had found that detonations had occurred at the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines that are located in the exclusive economic zone in Sweden. These detonations caused “extensive damage” to the gas pipelines.
Gas was leaked into the Baltic Sea causing environmental damage. Both Denmark and Sweden saw two leaks each in their exclusive economic zones. Although the unusual seismic activity and gas leaks took place in international waters, they were inside the exclusive economic zones of Denmark and Sweden.
The Swedish Security Service also mentioned that they had made “certain seizures” but did not offer additional details. They said that the seizures would be reviewed as well as analyzed. They released a statement that said, “The continued preliminary investigation must show whether someone can be served with suspicion and later prosecuted.”
In another statement, the prosecutor’s office in Sweden said that they had no longer cordoned off the area.
The European Union had raised suspicions of sabotage as there is a bitter standoff between Russia and the EU. However, Russia has denied that it was the hand behind the suspected attack. It termed the accusation as “stupid.”
Although the investigations are ongoing, the repercussions will be far reaching as the detonation acts have led to a “reckless release” of greenhouse gases that will damage the environment. The world saw shocking images of gas spewing into the surface of the Baltic Sea.
Climate scientists have said that it could be considered as “an environmental crime” if it was deliberate. However, whether it was deliberate or not the environment around the gas leaks has been compromised. The leaks have caused not only economic damages but have also caused environmental damages that will exacerbate the problems that are already being faced on planet earth due to climate change.
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