The cause of the gas leaks in the Baltic Sea pipelines is still unclear – but investigators assume that highly effective explosive devices damaged the pipes, according to a media report. Their effect is comparable to that of half a tonne of TNT.
According to a media report, German security authorities assume that highly effective explosive devices were used to damage the Nord Stream gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea. Calculations have shown that explosive devices must have been used to destroy the tubes, the effect of which is comparable to that of 500 kilograms of TNT, the “Spiegel” reported.
The estimate also included the seismic signals registered by various measuring stations, the report said. The NATO Council, the EU and representatives of the governments of Sweden, Denmark and Poland, among others, assume a deliberate act as the most likely reason for the leaks. The federal government has so far been reluctant to make such statements.
According to “Spiegel”, the federal government is hoping for more information from a more detailed examination of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines. Security circles said that divers or a remote-controlled robot could possibly assess the damage as early as the weekend. In the best-case scenario, initial conclusions could then be drawn about the type of explosion under water and the explosives used.
Investigations have already begun, even without the leaks being found so far. EU Commissioner Ylva Johansson expressed confidence that it will be possible to find out who is behind the alleged act of sabotage. So far there have only been working hypotheses, but the evaluation of radar and satellite data from boats, ships and submarines that were in the area during the period in question is in full swing.
The investigators from Denmark, Sweden and Germany are looking at the question of range, for example, i.e. how far a military diver could swim with a larger load. It is by no means clear that explosives were installed in a kind of commando operation only in the last few weeks. Likewise, a “state actor” could have planted explosive devices a long time ago – months or even years ago.
