NBC: NATO issues warning about pipeline 'sabotage' after gas pipeline explosions
"Any deliberate attack against allies’ critical infrastructure would be met with a united and determined response,” the military alliance said after the Nord Stream explosions.
LONDON — NATO on Thursday left the door open to possible military action in response to what it said was deliberate sabotage after explosions on underwater natural gas pipelines between Russia and Europe.
“All currently available information indicates that this is the result of deliberate, reckless, and irresponsible acts of sabotage,” it said in a statement.
Western governments have pointed the finger of blame for the leaks at Russia, which has flatly denied any suggestion it was responsible for explosions that caused them.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: The NATO statement is brief and very clear (link here) ....
.... The damage to the Nordstream 1 and Nordstream 2 pipelines in international waters in the Baltic Sea is of deep concern. All currently available information indicates that this is the result of deliberate, reckless, and irresponsible acts of sabotage. These leaks are causing risks to shipping and substantial environmental damage. We support the investigations underway to determine the origin of the damage.
“We, as allies, have committed to prepare for, deter and defend against the coercive use of energy and other hybrid tactics by state and non-state actors. Any deliberate attack against allies’ critical infrastructure would be met with a united and determined response.”
Even though Russia is the majority owner of the Nord Stream pipelines, it has European partners in what is (was) a critical part of Europe's energy infrastructure.
Because some NATO and EU leaders are already pointing their finger at Russia being responsible for this attack, will this be used as a justification to respond .... Spain says Nord Stream gas leaks likely a deliberate act — and points the finger at Russia (CNBC).
Is this a Reichstag moment?
Will this be used to escalate NATO's involvement in Ukraine?
Or is this a warning to Russia to not retaliate after the destruction of their pipelines?
Bottom line. We are sliding down a very slippery slope.
NATO Vows Retaliation for Attacks on Infrastructure, Blames Sabotage for Pipe Blasts
NATO believes Baltic Sea gas leaks were sabotage -- AP
NATO Vows Retaliation for Attacks on Infrastructure, Blames Sabotage for Pipe Blasts -- VOA NATO Formally Blames Sabotage for Nord Stream Pipeline Damage -- WSJ
NATO condemns ‘deliberate, reckless’ sabotage of Nord Stream pipelines after fourth leak discovered -- FOX News
NATO Sees 'Deliberate, Reckless' Sabotage In Nord Stream Leaks -- Barrons
NATO labels Nord Stream pipeline leaks result of "sabotage" -- Axios
No comments:
Post a Comment