Norway has increased security on its gas and oil sites in the North Sea after finding mysterious drones in the area. The drones, which came within 50 meters of the offshore platforms, could unleash "deliberate attacks" on critical energy infrastructure or cause havoc by smashing into helicopters transporting offshore workers to and from the rigs, the country's Petroleum Safety Authority warned.
With Norway now Europe's biggest gas supplier after Russia cut off access, it is important to put measures in place. Norway's Energy Minister Terje Aasland said they are increasing security at infrastructure sites, land terminals and platforms on the Norwegian continental shelf.
While the drones appear harmless, Norway's largest oil and gas firm Equinor notified authorities of the sightings of drones flying near some of its platforms. "We would urge increased vigilance, a review of emergency preparedness measures and incident response, and information sharing," Norway's Petroleum Safety Authority said in a letter.
Drones were spotted in at least six Equinor sites, and one was seen just 50 meters away from its Heidrun platform – breaking the 500-meter security perimeter.
Norway also has a vast network of pipelines that are linked to the continent, which experts believe are at risk of sabotage.
Blasts, gas leaks on Nord Stream pipelines
The sightings of drones followed three unexplained gas leaks and two explosions on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines on Sept. 26. Denmark also moved to secure its own platforms.
The CIA warned weeks ago that the pipes could be attacked, and agents sent a "strategic warning" to its European allies over the summer that the pipes were at risk. However, they did not say whether or not Russia was identified as the culprit.
The warning was also non-specific and did not pinpoint a time or location for an attack. European officials said "no one is thinking this is anything other than Russian sabotage," but they have no hard evidence to publicly blame Moscow yet. (Related: CIA recently warned Germany about possible Nord Stream pipeline attack, says German magazine.)
Russia does have the capacity to carry out such an attack, as it has the most significant spy submarine fleet in the world and has spent years updating its capabilities. The Belgorod, which is a nuclear-powered stealth submarine, can sabotage undersea cables and has the capacity to target a pipe.
The blasts are also said to be located in waters around 230 feet deep, which is shallow enough for divers to reach. Russia has direct access to the Baltic Sea from Kaliningrad.
Moscow also has the ability to put money into underwater drones that could be used to blow the pipe.
The explosions came on the same day that Poland, Norway and Denmark opened the new pipe running under the Baltic that is designed to supply oil to central and eastern Europe without relying on Russia, which could be a motive for Kremlin.
Moscow, however, has denied involvement in the Nord Stream blasts.
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Watch the video below for more information about the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage and what this means for the rest of the world.
This video is from the HighHopes channel on Brighteon.com.
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