Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar has confirmed that a mine found in the Bosphorus was cleared by the Turkish Navy’s Underwater Defense Group (SAS), Turkey’s private television company NTV reported.
The mine was made in Russia and contained about 30 kg of explosives. Such a mine can sink any ship, the TV channel said.
It will be recalled that a mine-like object was spotted in the Bosphorus
According to Akara, it was an old mine, which was neutralized by SAS submarine defense teams. The Minister said that the Turkish side is in contact with the Russian and Ukrainian authorities in connection with this case.
“In order to continue safe maritime traffic, the necessary coordination has been carried out with the navy, coast guard and other relevant institutions. Necessary measures have been taken. Maritime communication continues safely,” Akar said.
According to NTV, the detonation of the explosive device took about two and a half hours.
The mine was spotted by a civilian ship at the entrance to the Bosphorus in the Black Sea. For safety reasons, the strait was closed to navigation in both directions.
After the mine was cleared, traffic through the Bosphorus resumed.