Britain Warns of Russian Threat to Undersea Cables

Britain has deployed military vessels and aircraft to prevent possible Russian submarine attacks on undersea cables and pipelines. According to Defence Secretary John Healey, Russian vessels have been operating in the North Atlantic and near British waters for more than a month.

Allies, including Norway, were also involved in the operation. Together, they tracked one Akula-class attack submarine and two specialised submarines belonging to the General Directorate for Deep-Sea Research (GUGI). According to Healey, these vessels are designed to survey infrastructure in peacetime and to sabotage it in the event of conflict.

Britain deployed a frigate, a support tanker and a patrol aircraft, while Norway sent a frigate and a P-8 aircraft. The Russian submarines eventually withdrew from the area, with no serious damage reported.

London has accused Moscow of taking advantage of the situation in the Middle East to step up activities against Europe. Russia denies the accusations. NATO has long warned of the risk of sabotage to undersea infrastructure that is critical to global communications.

(reuters, bak)