Sweden: Mobilization of the army due to “Russian activity” in the Baltic

Armored and dozens of armed soldiers deployed on the streets of Visby, a seaside town on the Baltic island of Baltland, on Friday. Sweden, in an unusual move decided due to the increased “Russian activity” in the area.

About 10 armored and dozens of armed soldiers were seen patrolling the streets of that city, Reuters reports.

According to military of the country, the development of these units was decided after three Russian amphibians trough crossed the Baltic this week across the Greater Denmark Zone in the middle of the Russia’s relations with NATO.

“The armed forces are taking the necessary measures to ensure Sweden’s territorial integrity and to demonstrate our ability to protect Sweden and Swedish interests,” the defense minister said. Peter Hulkvist in an email he sent to the French Agency.

The head of operations of the Swedish army Michael Classon said that the units deployed in Visby come from the forces already stationed on the island and he denied that this is a “show of force”, is relayed by ΑΠΕ ΜΠΕ.

THE Norway, the Denmark and the Iceland, which are members of NATO, work closely together on regional security with Sweden and Finland, partner countries of the North Atlantic Treaty, but which are not members.

After the end of the Cold War, Sweden had reduced its military spending, but strengthened its defense capabilities. after in 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea.

Sweden, which has not been involved in any war for two centuries, restored in 2017 the compulsory military service and opened one again military camp on the island of Gotland, in January 2018.

Source: aftonbladet.se

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