On September 15, local time, Turkey announced that the operation time of the "Yavuz" drilling vessel was extended to October 12. Yavuz is currently operating in the eastern Mediterranean, in the southwestern waters of Cyprus.
△ Turkey's "Yavuz" drill ship (Image source: local media)
On September 14, local time, Turkish Foreign Minister Cavusoglu said that Turkey has not terminated its related missions in the eastern Mediterranean, and the Turkish exploration ship "Oruch Reis" returned to the waters near Antalya just to carry out routine repairs. Turkey's Yavuz and Barbaros exploration vessels will continue to operate in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Since mid-August, the Turkish drilling vessels "Oruch Reis" and "Yavuz" have been exploring oil and gas in the disputed waters between Turkey and Greece and the disputed waters with Cyprus, respectively, and have been criticized by the Greek and Cypriot governments. (Reporter Gu Yuting)