In August last year, the Security Police raised the terror threat level in Sweden to level four on a five-degree injury. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, disinformation campaigns and Koran burnings were described as some of the contributing reasons for the progressively deteriorating security situation.
Almost a year later, the terror threat level remains at the same level, but Sweden is no longer as exposed to propaganda from violent Islamism, according to Säpo.
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– In connection with the terrorist threat level being raised, we noted that Sweden had become a legitimate target for violent Islamist extremism. There, the National Center for Terror Threat Assessment now points out that Sweden is not specifically singled out in the propaganda in the same way as then, says Gabriel Wernstedt, press secretary at Säpo.
Terror threat level unchanged
Wernstedt emphasizes that the security situation in Sweden remains serious. He cannot answer whether the terror threat level will be adjusted in the future, as such a decision is made long-term and ultimately rests with the head of the security police.
– We have a high terrorist threat level and we are still there. It is a strategic assessment based on various intelligence, and it is not single events that cause it to be raised or lowered.
Russian interest
Threats to Sweden also come from foreign powers. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Säpo has seen an increased Russian propensity for risk, not least when it comes to influence and sabotage against targets in the Western world and countries that support Ukraine.
– Russia has a dual interest, both based on Sweden’s geographical location, but also that we are part of NATO. At the same time, the fact that Sweden is a member of NATO has made Sweden safer.
Increased threat to Ukraine support
According to Säpo’s latest location picture however, the threat linked to Sweden’s military support to Ukraine has increased.
– We note that it is important for Russia to prevent and hinder support to Ukraine in various ways. There is an increased threat picture when it comes to the production and transport of military equipment from Sweden to Ukraine, says Wernstedt.
Säpo also sees that the threats from a foreign power and violent extremism reinforce each other.
– A foreign power can use violent extremism as an intermediary to influence and divide society. Conversely, violent extremism can amplify the threat by using foreign power.