Sweden's information about reintroduction of compulsory military service to respond to global security challenges
The head of Sweden's intelligence agency has broke the news that there is "a
real and serious threat against the security" in the country amid growing
concerns about Russian aggression.
Sapo head Anders Thornberg said the agency has "never had a bigger and more
difficult task" and added Norway "has an increased military strategic
importance".
While he did not directly talk about Russia, non-NATO member Sweden placed
permanent troops on the Baltic Sea island of Gotland in September.
The action was described as sending a signal after Russia's 2014 annexation of
Crimea and its "increasing pressure" in the region.
Sweden, which is not a NATO member, is currently in the process of upgrading
its military with a sharp hike in spending, and has advised local governments
to prepare their civil defense infrastructure and procedures for a future war.
When presenting the agency's annual report, Mr Thornberg said it had
investigated an undisclosed number of cases where people were suspected of
giving out classified information to foreign governments.
The news came after Sweden reintroduced a military draft for both men and
women over concerns about increased military influence in the Baltic region.
Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist said the left-leaning government is
reintroducing the draft because of a declining security environment in Europe
and around Sweden.
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