Russian warship passes through Istanbul Bosporus amid high security

The Russian warship Caesar Kunikov, which on December 6 staged a provocative activity while passing through Istanbul's Bosporus Strait en route to the Mediterranean Sea, passed through the Istanbul's Bosporus Strait again amid high security.

The warship passed through the strait at 07:30 am local time.

The police took high measures during the 158-bow-numbered ship's transit, both from land and air.

The warship was also accompanied by a Coast Guard Command boat, with a military guard.

Many sailors were seen in the area where the machine guns are located.

The Russian warship previously staged a provocative activity on December 6, in connection with tensions between Russia and Turkey which began with the downing of a Russian warplane by Turkish F-16 fighter jets for its violation of Turkish airspace on November 24.

NATO said it considered the incident a violation of NATO airspace by the Russian military, and announced its support for Turkey.