Bucharest, June 5 (IANS) A maritime drone self-detonated on Friday morning in Romania’s Constanta port, causing no casualties, Romania’s Ministry of National Defence has revealed.
The drone exploded at around 10:30 am local time. The area has been secured and isolated by forces of the Romanian Intelligence Service, the Coast Guard and the Ministry of National Defence, a statement issued by the ministry mentioned.
It detailed that the drone was not part of the equipment of the Romanian Army, and was not involved in the recent exercises organised by the Ministry of National Defence in the Black Sea area, Xinhua news agency reported.
Romanian President Nicusor Dan wrote on X that “Law enforcement agencies and security structures acted promptly and evacuated the area before the explosion, and so far there are no indications that there were victims.”
“The priority has been and remains the protection of human lives and the security of the port infrastructure. The circumstances in which the drone arrived in the port and any additional risks are being analysed, and the authorities directly responsible will communicate as the investigation progresses.” Dan said.
The President added that as a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) member, with access to the Black Sea, Romania will continue to cooperate closely with its allies and take all necessary measures to protect citizens and national interests.
“This is the second significant security incident this week on the Romanian coast, following the discovery of a sea mine between Vama Veche and 2 Mai, which adds to the incident in Galati,” he highlighted.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union (EU), called it a “direct consequence of Russia’s war against Ukraine.”
“One week after a drone crashed into an apartment building in Galati, a maritime drone today reached the port of Constanta. This is a direct consequence of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
It is increasingly becoming a direct threat to countries on our Eastern border,” the EU chief wrote on X.
–IANS
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