The difficult security situation will continue for a long time, the Security Police states in its situational picture presented today.
In the report, Säpo singles out “above all Russia” but also China and Iran as constituting the biggest security threats to Sweden. It is also stated that the three countries cooperate with each other to some extent.
– The threats to Sweden are complex. We see that foreign power and violent extremists act in a way that means that the threats go into each other and are reinforced. They fuel division and polarization, says security police chief Charlotte von Essen.
“High ability to various attacks”
Säpo states that the development means “increased pressure on Swedish society” and that events in the outside world further strengthen the threat picture.
– Foreign powers have a high capacity for various types of attacks and we know that security-threatening activities against Sweden and Swedish interests are constantly ongoing, says Charlotte von Essen.
In the report, Säpo also warns that foreign powers can use violent extremists and other types of organizations and individuals – as proxies to threaten Sweden without being able to trace back to them themselves as instigators.
– The serious security situation places higher demands on Sweden’s resilience. An attack against operators who carry out security-sensitive operations could lead to extensive and serious consequences.