Sweden, which has not officially been at war in over 200 years, will soon be pulled into a European conflict according to an internal army document sent to soldiers and civil servants ahead of army manoeuvres next week.

Citing the situation in Sweden, the recent decisions of domestic politicians, and global instability, the chief of the Swedish army General Anders Brännström told men under his command they could expect to be fighting a war in Europe against skilled opponents “within a few years”.

As well as soldiers, the booklet containing his stark warning has also been given to civil servants, politicians, and guests of next week’s annual manoeuvres and military demonstrations and exercises. Discussing the new military budget passed by the Swedish government last year for 2016-2020, General Brännström said: “The requirement of our ability to perform armed combat against a skilled opponent was clear, and this in context of the objective to create a front line against military attack and defend Sweden”.

“The global environment we are experiencing which is also demonstrated by strategic decisions [taken by politicians] leads us to the conclusion we could be at war within a few years”.

The general said the manoeuvres, which this year focus on the Swedish army’s ability to fight and survive a winter war, should be conducted with this security situation in mind.

Speaking of his comments with Sweden’s best selling tabloid Aftonbladet, the General said the deteriorating security picture in Europe was the main factor behind his warning, indicating the Islamic State conducting military campaigns in Europe and spreading instability from the Ukraine could lead to conflict. Sensationally, he suggested a Third World War was just round the corner. He told the paper:

More here H/T: Gaia