BREAKING: Ukraine has launched a significant strike against a Russian shadow fleet super tanker, the Qendil, in the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 1,200 miles from the nearest warzone. This urgent operation, confirmed by the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU), involved multiple drone attacks on the Oman-flagged vessel, which was reportedly sailing empty toward Russia via the Gibraltar Strait.
In a bold move to disrupt Russian operations, the SBU declared, “For the first time, the SBU hit a tanker of the Russian ‘shadow fleet’ in the neutral waters of the Mediterranean Sea.” The 800-foot-long vessel is known for its role in facilitating Russia’s evasion of international sanctions by transferring fuel to other ships.
This operation aligns with Ukraine’s intensified campaign against vessels aiding Russia’s military efforts. The SBU emphasized that the Qendil was a legitimate target, stating, “The Russian Federation used this tanker to circumvent sanctions and earn money that went to the war against Ukraine.”
The attack comes on the heels of an SBU strike on a Russian Kilo-class submarine, with British intelligence agency MI6 pledging to enhance support for operations reminiscent of World War II sabotage tactics. The SBU reported that the Qendil sustained critical damage and is now rendered unusable.
Ukrainian officials have made it clear that their efforts will not wane. “The enemy must understand that Ukraine will not stop and will strike him in any part of the world, wherever he is,” an SBU source stated.
This unprecedented strike not only highlights Ukraine’s commitment to countering Russian maritime operations but also sends a strong message about the potential global reach of Ukraine’s military actions. As the situation develops, further updates are expected regarding the implications of this strike and the ongoing conflict.
Stay tuned for more urgent updates as this story unfolds.
