Variation suspected of mysterious explosions

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Digest opened free editor

It shook a series of mysterious mines attacks on oil tankers, which sparked speculation that the explosions were part of the state -backed sabotage campaign.

Five ships were subjected to deliberate explosions this year, as the last accident was overwhelmed by the engine room in the Greek -owned carrier The Vilamoura last week, sailing off the coast of Libya.

All ships are called Russian ports within weeks of attacks, prompting some security experts to indicate that Ukraine had a hand in explosions. While Kyiv did not comment on the incidents, its security forces have a record of secret measures on Russian interests.

A security adviser in this sector said that “all fingers” initially referred to Ukraine. But the differences in the nature of the attack on VILAMoura – which had a body instead of its part – generated other theories about the potential saboteurs.

Four ships had called for ports in Libya, a country that is divided among the competing factions that depend on oil shipments revenues. All tankers also have a record of holding Malta to take over supplies.

Last week, the attack on Vilamoura followed another similar incident in January and three in February. While most accidents were in the Mediterranean, one tanker was injured in the Baltic Sea.

A map showing the sites of explosions on five oil tankers this year in Europe

Martin Kelly, head of the EOS Group Consulting, said there were only similarities of “some” last and previous incident.

Kelly said: “There is still a set of alternative capabilities, including Libyan actors and other actors in the states that have the ability and perhaps motivation.”

Even before the last explosion, Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary -General of the United Nations International Maritime Organization, expressed last month his concern about the series of explosions.

“I confirm that we will closely monitor these incidents and investigations.”

Four ships belong to the well -known Greek ship owners. The Vilamoura, which was achieved last week, is part of the Cardiff collection of George Economou, a shipping businessman.

Seacharm, which was struck in January off Türkiye, and Seajewel, was hit in February in Italy, both of which belonged to TENAMARIS, a large shipping group controlled by Nicholas Martinos.

Grace Fairum, damaged from Libya in February, belongs to Cymare in Cyprus.

Kuala was damaged in an explosion in the Russian port of Ost Laga in February. The ship was placed under the imposition of sanctions by the European Union in May for an inappropriate transfer of Russian oil.

There is no suggestion that other ships violated the G7 bases by transporting Russian oil, which was purchased by more than $ 60 a barrel. Ship tracking data indicates that ships that have been attacked mainly in Russian ports that deal with oil produced in Kazakhstan, which are not subject to sanctions.

TMS TANKERS confirmed that its bowl suffered from an “explosion in the engine room” while carrying 1 million barrels of crude oil loaded in Zuwetina in Libya. There were no injuries or pollution.

The company said: “The engine room was flooded and the maneuver was lost, but the entry of water stopped and remained stable,” the company said.

Theraaris confirmed that its ships suffered earlier this year “security incidents at separate points in time and in various geographical locations in the Mediterranean.”

She said, “Theraaris, who is always compatible with international and European rules and regulations, has fully cooperated with the relevant authorities to support their continuous investigations.”

Additional reports: Fabrice Debrez in Kyiv



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