Turkish media referring to intelligence reported a threat of terrorist attacks against ships of the Russian Navy in the Bosporus. Political scientist Igor Shatrov on air of radio Sputnik drew attention to the fact that the information came not from officials.
Turkish intelligence claims that the militants of the terrorist group “Islamic State” allegedly are preparing attacks on the ships of the Russian Navy passing through the Bosporus Strait, the Haberturk newspaper reported.
According to the publication, the militants can shell ships with missiles.
The security forces of Istanbul have monitored 146 points in the Bosporus area from which an attack can be carried out.
In addition, it is reported that Turkish security forces plan to use helicopters and additional coast guard boats to escort Russian ships while crossing the strait.
The Bosporus connects the Black Sea with the Marble, the length of the strait is 30 kilometers. According to the Montreux Convention, in peacetime, the Black Sea powers can pilot any warships through the Bosporus.
Political scientist, deputy director of the National Institute for the Development of Contemporary Ideology Igor Shatrov pointed out on the fact that information about possible attacks by militants was spread not by Turkish special services, but by the press.
“The Turkish press reported this on the day when begins the visit of the Turkish President to the US. I think that this is an important moment that must be taken into account when assessing the quality of this information. In addition, what does the threat to the Russian fleet in the Bosporus Strait mean? Are there no threats to the ships of the NATO countries, or the Turkish ships in the Bosphorus Strait there? Or will the terrorists look into the long glass, whose ship is going and choose the target? I think that if such a threat exists, we would hardly have heard such a statement from the Turkish secret services, because then they will sign in their inability to prevent terrorist attacks in the region where very serious international traffic is taking place”, Igor Shatrov said.
Nevertheless, according to the political scientist, it is known that the threat of terrorism on the transport highways does exist. Therefore, Turkey, in his opinion, indirectly, through the media, is playing its game, recalling its importance.
“It seems to me that so indirectly – through the media – Turkey is charging itself both to Russia, which it supports and conducts certain actions for reconciliation in Syria, and to its NATO allies, whom recalls its importance and integrity. This is an attempt to sit on two chairs”, Igor Shatrov noted.