Turkish seismic exploration vessel ‘Oruc Reis’ in the Eastern Mediterranean research area

A handout photo made available by the Turkish Defence Minister press office shows Turkish ‘TGC Oruc Reis’ frigate escorting to National seismic exploration vessel ‘Oruc Reis’ in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The seismic exploration vessel Oruc Reis reached the planned research area in the Eastern Mediterranean.

On Monday, Greece said that it was concerned but not “panicking” over a large concentration of Turkish naval forces in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean as part of a large military exercise, as well as the movement of the Oruc Reis survey vessel near the Greek continental shelf.

National seismic exploration vessel Oruc Reis on Eastern Mediterranean

The scale of the exercise as well as the overall climate in the region in recent months, mainly due to initial pronouncements emanating from Ankara that the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) would begin exploratory activities within Greece’s continental shelf, placed both the Hellenic National Defense General Staff (GEETHA) and the Hellenic Navy General Staff on standby.

Turkey currently has three ships around Cyprus, including two drilling ships.

Photo: EPA-EFE/TURKISH DEFENCE MINISTER

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