Drones attack three Russian-linked tankers in Black Sea

Three oil tankers were attacked by drones in the Black Sea off the northern coast of Turkey on Thursday, according to a statement from the Tribeca shipping agency. The vessels, identified as the James II, Altura, and Velora, were all operating approximately 80 kilometers north of the Turkeli district. No injuries were reported among the crews, and Turkish coast guard vessels were dispatched to the area.

The targeted tankers are part of what is commonly referred to as Russia's "shadow fleet," a network of aging vessels used to transport Russian oil while evading international sanctions imposed due to the war in Ukraine. All three ships appear on Western sanctions lists. The Palau-flagged James II was sailing without cargo at the time of the attack. The Altura and Velora, both flagged to Sierra Leone, were reportedly conducting a ship-to-ship cargo transfer operation nearby when they were struck.

While no group has claimed responsibility, the incident follows a pattern of naval drone attacks targeting vessels involved in transporting Russian crude. Video footage circulating online appeared to show drones bearing Ukrainian markings, and reports identified the weapons as Ukrainian...