Original Coverage & Source Attribution: news.az
NATO will deploy additional maritime patrol aircraft, drones and electronic warfare systems to the Black Sea following a series of deadly attacks on vessels in the region.
The decision followed a discussion on Black Sea security by the North Atlantic Council, NATO’s principal political decision-making body, at the alliance’s headquarters in Brussels, Anadolu Agency reported.
NATO members have also sent or plan to send intelligence teams to investigate the incidents and conduct forensic analysis of explosive materials, NATO spokesperson and US Army Colonel Martin O’Donnell said.
NATO has already strengthened its military posture along its eastern flank, including by expanding counter-drone capabilities, according to alliance chief spokesperson Allison Hart.
“We will continue to stand united and ensure that we are ready and able to address any threat and to keep our one billion people safe,” Hart wrote on X.
NATO has not officially attributed the recent attacks to any country. However, military analysts cited in the report believe Russia was responsible for the incidents, while Moscow has not acknowledged responsibility.
Last week, seven sailors went missing after drones struck two chemical tankers off Romania’s Black Sea coast, setting the vessels on fire. The incident raised further concerns about the safety of a key maritime route used by Ukraine.
At least five other cargo vessels were reportedly attacked off the coasts of Romania and neighboring Bulgaria, a NATO member, over the preceding 10 days. At least 23 sailors were reported missing or dead in connection with the incidents.
Bulgaria has also indicated that it would join NATO’s initiative to counter drone threats following the attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea.
News.Az
By Aysel Mammadzada
