The militaries of Turkey and Greece are on high alert as tensions flare between the two Mediterranean states over the presence of Turkish survey vessels in contested waters. The presence of the Turkish vessel is part of a greater push by the Mediterranean nation to exploit energy reserves in the sea. The militaries of Turkey and Greece are on high alert as tensions flare between the two Mediterranean states over the presence of Turkish survey vessels in contested waters. The presence of the Turkish vessel is part of a more significant push by the Mediterranean nation to exploit energy reserves in the sea.
Tensions in the Mediterranean are centered around hydrocarbon deposits in the vicinity of Cyprus, which has been the center of an ongoing political dispute following the 1974 Turkish invasion of the island. The region of the Eastern Mediterranean is heavily disputed in general, with several overlapping claims by states bordering the sea.
Causing the spike in tensions is the presence of the Turkish survey ship, Oruç Reis, which is conducting surveys for hydrocarbon deposits off the southwestern coast of Cyprus, the region of the country that has remained independent after the Turkish invasion. In response to the incursion, Greek forces were placed on high alert, with Athens asserting that it would not back down against Turkey.
"Our country does not threaten [anyone], but nor can it be blackmailed." Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had to say on the matter. "Let it be known to all: the risk of an accident lies in wait when so many military forces gather in a limited area."
Turkey has also asserted that it will not back down either and that it would protect its rights and interests in the reason.
France has also entered the fray, dispatching two fighter jets and a frigate to the region. According to French President Emmanuel Macron, France is seeking to "strengthen French military strength temporarily" in a move that will bring it alongside Greece, a fellow EU member.
"The eastern Mediterranean situation is worrying. Turkey's unilateral decisions concerning oil exploration are provoking tensions. Those tensions must end, to enable calm dialogue between countries which are neighbours and allies in NATO" Macron said.