Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria to create mine-sweeping force in Nov to clear Black Sea route – media

15:07, 10.10.2023 1 min read

Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria may form in November a joint force to clear any mines that drift into their waters from Russia's war against Ukraine, Bloomberg reported citing informed sources.

"Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria are discussing the creation of a joint force to clear any mines that drift into their waters from Russia’s war against Ukraine. […] The three NATO members are still working out the details but may set up the unit as early as next month," it said on Tuesday.

According to Bloomberg's sources, the force will not bring additional NATO vessels to the Black Sea.

"One of the goals of the mission is to show the three countries are capable of addressing the problem themselves, one official said," the agency said.

NATO allies have increased surveillance and reconnaissance in the region since the war started, but not maritime activity, it said.