As of May 2022, Operation IRINI (or EUNAVFOR MED IRINI) has been in effect in the Mediterranean Sea for just over two years, having been initiated on March 31st, 2020. The operation has attracted international criticism, and nations around the Mediterranean Sea are divided over whether it should continue. But what is Operation IRINI? What … Continue reading IRINI: Peace Guarantor in the Mediterranean Sea
Maritime Security in Mediterranean, the European Union Strategy
EU Flag The Mediterranean Sea has always been a strategic maritime trade and transportation region. However, the numerous islands and peninsulas in the area have made it convenient for smugglers to operate. But, the rise of terrorist groups in North Africa has only compounded the problem. The European Union has developed a maritime security strategy … Continue reading Maritime Security in Mediterranean, the European Union Strategy
Eastern Mediterranean, a flashpoint
Eastern Mediterranean flashpoint Eastern Mediterranean is a crossroads between continents. The complexity of the region and tensions between countries make the area a dangerous flashpoint. All kind of destabilization and maritime issues monitored seem to be linked to one actor, the president of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Where is Eastern Mediterranean? Eastern Mediterranean is a … Continue reading Eastern Mediterranean, a flashpoint
Loitering Munitions Attack on Oil Tanker
Loitering munitions is not only a land problem. Maritime world must take seriously the issues caused by this kind of weapon in order to preserve the freedom of navigation. The recent attack in July on the oil tanker Mercer Street, off Omani Coast, is an example of problems led by local tension in the area … Continue reading Loitering Munitions Attack on Oil Tanker
UN Arms Embargo in Libya Remains Ineffective
A new violation of United Nations embargo in Libya happened last Tuesday with the delivery of 2 000 Turkish-made weapons. The 26th of February 2011, the Security Council of the United Nations voted the resolution 1973 which imposed an arms embargo on Libya because of the civil war. The aim of this resolution was to … Continue reading UN Arms Embargo in Libya Remains Ineffective
Middle – East: Maritime Conflict Spiral Under Great Tension
Fear of a maritime conflict is increasing in Arabian Sea. The 6th of April, Iran’s foreign ministry reported an attack on the Iranian freighter “Saviz” in the Red Sea. The vessel was hit below the waterline around 06:00 local Time, near the coasts of Djibouti. Its origins and causes are still under investigation. Previously, the … Continue reading Middle – East: Maritime Conflict Spiral Under Great Tension