This was said by the Turkish Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar.
“Our mine-detecting ships, planes, helicopters, drones and submarine sappers have been put on high alert. We are monitoring the situation closely. When the alarm goes off, our forces react immediately ”- he quotes the minister of NTV.
He also noted that «the situation with drifting mines in the Black Sea did not lead to difficulties in maritime traffic in the Bosphorus.» «Every notification [об обнаружении мины] carefully assessed. After detecting the mines, we take them to a safe place and neutralize them without harming the environment. Traffic in the strait is normal, there are no difficulties, ”Akar said.
The head of the Ministry of National Defense said that «so far, three mines have been cleared near the Bosphorus.» «Some figures are given for the number of drifting mines. We cannot confirm them, we do not have exact data, but we will remain vigilant, ”he said.
On April 6, a third floating mine was discovered off the coast of Turkey. In late March, two were found near the Bosphorus and the sea border with Bulgaria. At the same time, the Turkish Ministry of Defense announced that it was putting minesweepers and patrol planes on standby.
The FSB Public Relations Center (DSP) reported on March 19 that mines installed by the Ukrainian Navy on approaches to Black Sea ports could drift towards the Bosphorus due to cable breaks, TASS reports.
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