Turkey has warned of the risk of escalation following the attack on the tanker ALTURA in the Black Sea
On Thursday, Turkish officials expressed deep concern over the attack on the Turkish oil tanker ALTURA, which took place in neutral waters of the Black Sea.
This was reported by Daily Sabah.
Representatives of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that this incident not only threatens the safety of navigation but also indicates a dangerous trend toward the expansion of regional conflict.
Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ondü Keçeli confirmed that the vessel, flying the Sierra Leone flag, was carrying crude oil and belongs to a Turkish company.
At the time of the attack, there were 27 crew members on board, all of whom are Turkish citizens.
“All 27 members of the Turkish crew who were on board are safe,” the diplomat said, adding that technical inspections of the vessel and emergency response measures are currently underway.
The attack occurred within Turkey’s exclusive economic zone, constituting a direct violation of international law and the state’s sovereignty.
Ankara views such actions as posing serious risks to the region’s environmental safety, as damage to oil tankers could lead to catastrophic consequences.
In addition, the lives of sailors and the safety of property belonging to private companies operating in the Black Sea basin are at risk.
Ondü Keçeli emphasized that such incidents “increase the risk of the conflict spreading further into the Black Sea,” creating the conditions for an uncontrolled escalation of hostilities.
The Turkish side called on the international community to pay attention to the situation and make efforts to prevent further escalation of tensions on vital trade routes.
As a reminder, the attack on a sanctioned tanker carrying Russian oil in the Black Sea was deliberate.
Turkey may also force Putin to the negotiating table.
