Black Sea Task Force to Clear Mines Expands
NATO allies Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey should expand a joint task force that clears mines floating in the Black Sea to include patrols to protect energy facilities and trade routes from potential Russian attack, Romania's defence minister said.The Black Sea - especially Ukrainian waters - has been a crucial theatre of war since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and drifting sea mines have posed a threat to shipments of grain and oil, with several commercial ships being hit.Romaniaā¦
Baltic Sea Naval Mine Clearance Operation Concludes
A major naval operation concluded in the Baltic Sea on Monday, with warships, divers and underwater drone operators detonating unexploded mines left over from the two World Wars - and taking the chance to check on underwater power cables in the area.Twelve warships and 19 teams of mine clearance divers and underwater drone operators from 13 NATO countries took part in the mission to locate and neutralize unexploded mines and ordnance from both World War I and World War II.Butā¦
Tanker Vessel Blasts Likely from Limpet Mines
Mines attached to the hulls of ships and set off with timers likely caused blasts that have damaged two crude oil tankers in the Mediterranean Sea since January, three sources close to the investigation said on Monday.At least five vessels have been damaged, including explosionson the Greek-managed tankers Seacharm and Seajewel which Reuters reported last week. The incidents have raised concerns of a new security threat in the typically safe waters of the Mediterranean, just as the shipping industry is dealing with attacks in the busy Red Sea route.It is not clear who is responsible for the alleged attacks. The vessels had recently called at Russian ports, according to ship tracking data and sources.
