The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has voiced strong concern following the attacks on two commercial tankers in the Black Sea on 28 November, calling the incidents a serious threat to regional security and maritime safety.

In a written statement issued in response to a press query, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Öncü Keçeli confirmed that the Gambian-flagged vessels KAIROS and VIRAT were targeted while navigating within Türkiye’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Black Sea.

Keçeli underscored that the attacks “posed serious risks to the safety of navigation, life, property, and the environment in the region,” warning that escalating hostilities in the Black Sea could have far-reaching consequences.

Emphasizing Ankara’s diplomatic efforts, the spokesperson said Türkiye is in contact with all relevant parties to prevent the ongoing conflict from spilling further into the Black Sea basin. “We are maintaining our contacts with the relevant parties to prevent the spread and further escalation of the war across the Black Sea, and to avoid any negative impact on Türkiye’s economic interests and activities in the region,” Keçeli noted.

The incidents come amid heightened tensions and increased security concerns in the wider Black Sea area, where maritime traffic has faced growing risks since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. (ILKHA)