Traces Of Explosives Found At Nord Stream Rupture Sites

Tremors were recorded by seismologists before the ruptures were reported on the pipelines, but the tremors did not resemble that which normally comes from a naturally occurring earthquake. Image | Enhanced by Donald Standeford.

By Donald Standeford, SJ Founder/Publisher
November 19, 2022 07:19 am UTC
Modified: 2022-11-19 07:19 am

SWEDEN - The Swedish Security Service Reported on November 18th that "gross sabotage" on the Nord Stream gas pipelines have been confirmed. The Swedish Prosecution Authority said that traces of explosives have been found at the sites of the Nord Stream pipeline ruptures.

Mats Ljungqvist, the prosecutor who is currently leading the investigation said on Friday, “Analysis that has now been carried out shows traces of explosives on several of the objects that were recovered”.

The objects that were recovered showing traces of explosives were reported to be "foreign objects" and located at the site of the damaged pipelines.

“Analysis carried out shows traces of explosives on several of the foreign objects that were found," Ljungqvist said in a released statement.

On Friday, German Chancellor Olaf Sholz's spokesman, Steffen Hebestreit said, "We have no information on possible initiators of this act of sabotage."

Tremors Reported Before Ruptures Were Found

Tremors were recorded by seismologists before the ruptures were reported on the pipelines, but the tremors did not resemble that which normally comes from a naturally occurring earthquake.

Swedish Security Service: Confirmed sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines (translated)

"The Swedish Security Service is working intensively on the investigation regarding the detonations at the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines. This investigation shows that the pipelines have been subject to gross sabotage.

In the crime scene investigations carried out on site in the Baltic Sea, the extensive damage to the gas pipelines resulting from detonations has been thoroughly documented. Several seizures have been made, including foreign items. The explosive residue was identified on a number of the seized and analyzed foreign items.

The advanced analysis work is still in progress – the aim is to draw more definitive conclusions about the Nord Stream incidents. The investigation is extensive and complex and will eventually show whether anyone can be suspected of, and later prosecuted for this.

The investigation is being conducted by the Swedish Security Service and is headed by a National Security Unit prosecutor. Our Service is being assisted in this case by several agencies including, among others, the Swedish Coast Guard, the Swedish Armed Forces, and the Swedish police Authority.

The Nord Stream incidents in the Baltic Sea are a very serious matter. Our Service is keeping a close eye on the development and taking the measures needed to fulfill its duty to protect Sweden and its security."

Swedish Prosecutor's Office Statement Regarding The Traces Of Explosives Found (translated)

"Chamber prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist, who is leading the ongoing preliminary investigation into the detonations at the gas pipelines Nord Stream 1 and 2, states that the incident is gross sabotage.

During the crime scene investigations that were carried out on-site in the Baltic Sea, extensive seizures were made and the area has been carefully documented. Analyzes that have now been carried out show traces of explosives on several of the foreign objects that were found. The advanced analysis work continues to be able to draw safer conclusions about the incident, says Mats Ljungqvist.

The preliminary investigation is very complex and extensive. The continued preliminary investigation must show whether anyone can be served with suspicion of a crime.

The cooperation with authorities in Sweden and in other countries works excellently. For the continued work with the preliminary investigation and for the various ongoing collaborations, it is important that we can work in peace and quiet, says Chamber prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist.

The prosecutor cannot provide more information at this time and is not able to be available to the media.