In its latest report, Sweden's security service outlines the growing risks of Russian intelligence activities, terrorism, and foreign influence in the wake of geopolitical tensions.
**Sweden Labels Russia as Top Security Threat Amid Heightened Alert**
**Sweden Labels Russia as Top Security Threat Amid Heightened Alert**
Swedish security officials underscore the challenges posed by foreign powers, primarily Russia, which is seen as a major threat to national security.
Sweden's security agency Sapo has identified Russia as the foremost threat to its national security, citing the country's aggressive posture towards the West as a catalyst for increasing intelligence activities directed at undermining NATO cohesion. In its annual report, Sapo noted that while Sweden's recent accession to NATO bolsters its defense capabilities, it has simultaneously attracted more Russian espionage efforts.
Charlotte von Essen, head of Sapo, emphasized that the security situation is serious, with a "tangible risk" of deterioration driven by foreign powers engaging in hybrid warfare tactics and escalating incidents of violent extremism. In light of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Sweden saw NATO membership as a vital safeguard against aggression. A previous warning from Sweden's civil defense minister hinted at the potential for conflict on Swedish soil due to Russia's actions.
The report described Russian intelligence operations as increasingly aggressive, aiming to destabilize support for Ukraine and break NATO unity through various means. According to Sapo, expelling intelligence officers has limited some of these activities, but the threat persists. Von Essen cautioned citizens to remain vigilant against anti-state narratives and conspiracy theories that could disrupt social stability, stressing the importance of not normalizing the current geopolitical landscape.
Sapo's report also highlighted recent suspicious incidents involving vital infrastructure, with undersea cables and gas pipelines damaged under mysterious circumstances. Following these developments, NATO has launched a monitoring mission in the Baltic Sea, including the site of a recent breach near Gotland, Sweden's largest island.
Additionally, the Swedish government has recognized Iran and China as significant security threats, particularly concerning cyber-attacks and intelligence operations targeting dissidents. Last year, Sapo accused Iranian operatives of attempting to manipulate domestic narratives through mass messaging campaigns following controversial events. Both Iran and China have vehemently denied these accusations.
The report outlines a diversified threat landscape, noting that not only ideologically motivated violence but also foreign-induced terrorism is on the rise. Sapo observed examples of foreign nations, including Russia and Iran, inciting acts of violence among vulnerable individuals, particularly the youth drawn into radicalization through online platforms.
Following Sweden's deadliest mass shooting in Orebro last month, where nine people were killed, Sapo reiterated the ongoing risks posed by violent extremism, both from Islamist and far-right factions. With its terrorism threat level at four out of five, Sweden remains alert to evolving dangers on a national and international scale, grappling with the complex interplay of military, political, and social vulnerabilities.
