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NATO will not tolerate hybrid actions against members, US envoy says

Created at 5 Sep · 3:17 PM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

NATO members must not tolerate deliberate hybrid warfare actions, and the United States will support allies facing such incidents, according to U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker. He cited recent drone incidents in Germany and Poland as particularly concerning.

Who's Involved

Matthew Whitaker
U.S. ambassador to NATO
Germany
Blamed Russia for attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport
Poland
Experienced concerning hybrid actions
United States
Will stand by NATO members dealing with hybrid incidents
NATO
Members should not tolerate hybrid actions
NATO will not tolerate hybrid actions against members, US envoy says

↳ Why This Matters

The statement underscores NATO's unified stance against hybrid warfare tactics and signals a commitment to mutual support among member states facing such threats, particularly concerning critical infrastructure.

Key facts

  • NATO members should not tolerate deliberate hybrid warfare actions.
  • The United States will support member countries facing such incidents.
  • Ambassador Whitaker cited drone incidents in Germany and Poland as concerning.
  • Critical infrastructure, including energy assets, could be targets.
  • National authorities are responsible for monitoring and responding to threats.

NATO members must not tolerate deliberate hybrid warfare actions, and the United States will support allies facing such incidents, according to U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker. Speaking on the sidelines of a business conference in Italy, Whitaker stated that while responses to these challenges are primarily national, the U.S. stands ready to assist.

Whitaker highlighted an attempted drone attack at Germany's Leipzig/Halle Airport last month, which Berlin has attributed to Russia, as particularly concerning. He contrasted this with other recent incidents where Russian drones targeting Ukraine had strayed off course. Whitaker also mentioned similar concerning hybrid actions in Poland.

He emphasized that NATO members need to be prepared, vigilant, and deliver a strong message when confronted by such events. "If we can identify who's doing it — which Germany did — we make sure we express strongly that is unacceptable and we will not tolerate it," Whitaker said. He added that critical infrastructure, including energy assets, could be targeted and should be monitored by national authorities.

Frequently asked questions

Hybrid actions encompass deliberate, often state-sponsored, activities that fall below the threshold of conventional armed conflict, such as attempted drone attacks on infrastructure.

NATO members are urged not to tolerate deliberate hybrid warfare actions and to deliver strong messages when challenged.

The United States will stand by NATO member countries as they deal with hybrid incidents, providing support for national responses.

Critical infrastructure, including energy assets, could be targeted in hybrid attacks.

What Happens Next

01National authorities will monitor critical infrastructure for potential targeting.
02NATO members will deliver strong messages when challenged by hybrid events.

How It Developed

NATO members should not tolerate deliberate hybrid warfare actions.
The United States will stand by countries dealing with hybrid incidents.
An attempted drone attack at Germany's Leipzig/Halle Airport last month was cited as a worrying incident.
NATO members must be prepared, vigilant, and send a strong message when challenged.
Critical infrastructure, including energy assets, could be targeted.
Responses to hybrid challenges are primarily national, with U.S. support available.

Sources

T1
NATO will not tolerate hybrid actions against members, US envoy saysReuters

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