A crippling blow to the Russian shadow oil fleet has been dealt in a series of military strikes carried out by the Special Boat Service (SBS) in the Sea of Azov. According to reports, a total of 28 ships were destroyed or severely damaged in a single night on July 11th, bringing the overall tally of vessels hit in six days to 76.
The destruction of the shadow fleet has caused a significant disruption to traffic in the region, with all ships being halted through the strategically crucial Kerch Strait. The Kerch Strait is a narrow waterway that connects the Sea of Azov to the Black Sea, and plays a vital role in Russia’s logistics and supply chain.
On the night of July 11th, SBS units launched a coordinated attack on a fleet of 21 tankers, 4 tugboats, 2 cargo ships, and 1 special-purpose vessel. In a remarkable display of precision, a total of 73 successful hits were recorded, dealing a crushing blow to the Russian oil fleet.
The assault on the shadow fleet is a significant escalation in the conflict and comes as part of a broader military campaign aimed at disrupting Russian supply lines. The SBS has also claimed to have hit 53 legitimate military targets in Crimea and the southern part of the temporarily occupied territory, further indicating a significant expansion of military operations.
The Russian shadow oil fleet has been the focus of numerous SBS operations in recent weeks, with a total of 28 ships destroyed in a single night marking a new low for the fleet. The sheer scale of the destruction is a testament to the capabilities and effectiveness of the SBS, and serves as a warning to Russia that such operations will not be tolerated.
This development is likely to have far-reaching implications for Russia’s ability to project power and support its military operations in the region. The disruption to the shadow fleet will also have significant economic implications for Russia, given the crucial role that the fleet plays in transporting oil and other critical supplies.
As the conflict continues to escalate, the actions of the SBS are a clear indication that the international community will not stand idly by while Russia engages in aggressive actions in the region. The effectiveness of the operations is a testament to the commitment of the SBS to carrying out its mandate, and a warning to all nations that such actions will be met with swift and decisive action.
