Black Sea Tensions Escalate: Russian Shadow Fleet Oil Tankers Targeted in Attacks
On November 26, General Christopher T. Donahue, commander of United States Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) and commander of NATO’s Allied Land Command (LANDCOM), visited the US Army garrison at Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base in Romania. The visit aimed to strengthen cooperation between the US and Romanian forces responsible for protecting NATO’s eastern flank.
Fire Breaks Out on Russian Oil Tanker in Black Sea
Since November 28, oil tankers from Russia’s shadow fleet have caught fire in the Black Sea “off the coast of Turkey due to external influences.” The Turkish Maritime Authority reports that the evacuation of the crew is underway. According to Turkish media, a report was received that a fire broke out on the Kairos oil tanker, which was en route to Novorossiysk without cargo, 28 miles off the Turkish coast, due to external factors. The condition of the 25 crew members is normal.
Attacks on Two Oil Tankers in Black Sea
On November 28, two oil tankers were attacked in the Black Sea. Turkish authorities report that the Virat tanker was damaged by external factors. The crew’s condition was normal; smoke was observed in the engine room. The Kairos oil tanker caught fire and has been evacuated.
Turkish President Warns of Escalation
On December 1, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan raised the alarm of an escalation in the Black Sea: “The war between Russia and Ukraine has reached a point where it clearly threatens the safety of navigation in the Black Sea.” “The targeted attacks on commercial vessels in our exclusive economic zone on November 28 signal a worrying escalation,” the Turkish president stated.
Caspian Pipeline Consortium Berth Attacked
On November 29, one of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium’s berths near Novorossiysk was attacked by unmanned vessels. The company reported that it cannot be repaired and has halted operations. There were no casualties among CCP personnel or contractors.
Turkish Ministry Expresses Concern
The Turkish Foreign Ministry expressed concern over the attacks on the Kairos and Virat oil tankers, en route to Novorossiysk. The ministry emphasized the need for international cooperation to ensure the safety of navigation in the Black Sea.
As tensions continue to escalate in the Black Sea, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold. One thing is certain: the world is watching closely as the stakes grow higher by the day.
Original Article: #UKRAINERUSSIAWAR. Escalation in the Black Sea targets shadow fleet oil tankers and the Caspian Pipeline Consortium. Putin speaks of “Cut Ukraine off the Sea.” – AGC COMMUNICATION NEWS — Agcnews