Türkiye-led initiative begins second activation phase to combat drifting sea mines in Black Sea

By Gokhan Yılmaz and Goksel Cuneyt Igde

Zonguldak, Türkiye (AA) - A joint naval initiative led by Türkiye in the Black Sea has officially entered its second activation phase, with officials hosting a press briefing on Saturday.

The Mine Countermeasures Naval Group in the Black Sea (MCM Black Sea), launched in January 2024, is a trilateral initiative spearheaded by Türkiye in collaboration with Romania and Bulgaria.

Its primary mission is to safeguard maritime traffic by neutralizing drifting sea mines that threaten both commercial and military vessels navigating the Black Sea.

The group operates under a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the three participating countries, focusing on their territorial waters and exclusive economic zones. The agreement covers a three-year period, with operations phased throughout the year.

Leadership of the task group will rotate annually among the three nations. Bulgaria is set to take command in the first half of 2025, followed by Romania in the latter half.

*Writing by Muhammed Enes Calli and Necva Tastan in Istanbul