Sweden ups defense of strategic Baltic island amid tensions
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STOCKHOLM- The head of Sweden's armed forces says the country will station permanent troops on the strategic island of Gotland amid increasing tensions in the Baltic Sea region.
Supreme Commander Micael Byden says troops currently training on the island will remain there with immediate effect, six months earlier than planned for a full unit to replace them.
Byden told national broadcaster SVT on Wednesday that "the situation in the region has deteriorated over time" and that the forces "are demonstrating responsibility for the country's sovereignty with an increased military capability."
