Turkish forces detect over 2 dozen unexploded artillery shells in Black Sea

By Mustafa Hatipoglu

ISTANBUL (AA) — The Turkish navy has detected at least 28 suspicious objects in the Black Sea, according to local authorities in Istanbul.

Investigations conducted by the underwater defense forces revealed that the objects were unexploded artillery shells, the governor's office said in a statement.

Off northeastern Istanbul province, a diving team on Sunday retrieved some of the objects that had been encircled in a security parameter following reports of their presence two days earlier.

"At least 28 pieces of ammunition were detected. Out of the identified munitions, eight of them, which could be safely brought ashore, were taken to the SAS Group Command for identification and disposal," it said.

Noting that underwater defense forces continued to sweep the area, the statement said the disposal of the identified munitions would be carried out on Wednesday "after necessary safety measures have been taken."