Foreign Warships Abound in Mediterranean as Syria Conflict Rages

Ynetnews reports: Ships from an array of countries have made their presence known in the Mediterranean over the last few months due in part to the ongoing Syrian civil war.

The ships are trying to maintain civility and mutual respect but at times, the encounters can be somewhat unnerving.

Last week, a Turkish warship approached an Israeli navy missile boat in the international waters of the Mediterranean, a few kilometers from Israel’s shores. Despite tensions thawing between the countries, the adopted stance in such situations is usually one of “respect them and suspect them.” The sailors already had clear sight of their counterparts when all of a sudden, the Turkish ship took a stance that could have easily been interpreted as threatening. However, after a few minutes of tense radio silence, the Turks continued on their way, friction averted.

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