ENERGY: A second Turkish ship has started drilling off Cyprus

Brushing aside EU sanctions, a second Turkish exploration vessel has started drilling off the Cyprus coast in Karpasia and will operate in the island’s EEZ for the next three weeks.

The drilling vessel Yavuz has started operations off the coast of Karpasia while the Fatih drill ship, west of Cyprus, will continue exploration activity for a few more weeks. It has now reached the depth of approximately 5000-metres.

In addition, Turkish media reports that Oruc Reis seismic research ship will also arrive in the Eastern Mediterranean in the coming days to support Barbaros in seismic investigation that have been condemned by Brussels.

Reportedly, Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) as part of of the Mediterranean Shield Operation, are protecting the drilling and research vessels operating in the region.

Warships, submarines, UAVs and warplanes are protecting the ships illegally drilling in Cyprus waters.

Turkey’s Minister of Energy Fatih Donmez will inspect the drilling vessel Yavuz to send a message that Ankara will not abandon the Eastern Mediterranean.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned that his country could not remain indifferent to what he called “efforts of sabotage and usurpation” in the East Med.

Addressing ambassadors, Erdogan said: “We will protect the rights of our country and of the Turkish Cypriots. Stability in the Eastern Mediterranean is possible only by protecting the rights of Turkey and of the TRNC”.

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