SBU strikes Russian “shadow fleet” tanker in neutral Mediterranean waters
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) carried out an unprecedented special operation more than 2,000 km from Ukraine.
According to a source cited by Ukrinform, in neutral waters of the Mediterranean Sea, a multi-stage operation by the “Alpha” unit ended with the targeting of the tanker QENDIL, part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” using aerial drones.
At the time of the operation, the Russian vessel was not carrying any cargo and was empty. Therefore, the attack posed no threat to the environmental situation in the region, the source reported.
“Russia used this tanker to circumvent sanctions and earn money that went to fund the war against Ukraine. From the point of view of international law and the laws and customs of war, this is an absolutely legitimate target for the SBU. The enemy must understand that Ukraine will not stop and will strike it anywhere in the world, wherever it is,” the SBU source stated.
As a result of the strike, the QENDIL tanker sustained critical damage and can no longer be used for its intended purpose.
The tanker, which was on the U.S. sanctions list, had previously broken through the blockade of Venezuela.
It is recalled that Venezuela has complained to the UN Security Council about “U.S. aggression” and is also deploying tankers at sea under the protection of its military fleet.
