Turkish naval forces massing around Imia

April 19, 2018
Written by E.Tsiliopoulos

In a highly charged climate after the recent episodes (the crash of Greek Mirage, Ankara's statements on the removal of the Greek flag from the Anthropophagi islets, questioning the Greek territory on Imia by Turkey), the Greek MoD is vigorously watching Ankara's movements.

In the last few hours, powerful Turkish forces have been gathering on the coast of Asia Minor and near Imia. The annual programmed exercise of the Turkish Navy under the code name "Efes2018" also includes mission scenarios and a large volume of naval forces in the heart of the Aegean Sea. The exercise will begin on 7 May, but the large concentration of boats in the Bodrum area opposite Kos provokes concern in the Greek Armed Forces.

In the last 24 hours more than ten landing ships have moved through the straits of Chios, as recorded by the Aegean Hawk observer, including the newly built Bayraktar class, as well as coast guard cutters, patrol boats, and other vessels.

In one of the snapshots, the presence of patrol boat "Stavros Stamos" in the area through which the Turkish ships passed was recorded.

According to the pre-announcement of the Turkish Aegean exercise, two large areas have been designated on the west Turkish coast for the period from 30 April to 10 May, with a scenario for an amphibious landing on the Cesme peninsula opposite Chios .

Foreign representatives will also be aboard the Turkish vessels.