Following a similar provocation two months ago, which drew sharp criticism, Russian warships stage another provocation while passing through Istanbul's Bosphorus strait
Tow warships of Russian military have staged another provocative display while passing through Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait on Friday.
Photographs taken during the passing of Russian Ropucha class BSF Azov 151 and BF Minsk 127 warships of the Russian navy through the strait of Istanbul, shows military personnel on board standing guard with arms.
The ships were on their way back to the Black Sea from the Mediterranean coast off Syria's Latakia province.
According to international law, none of the soldiers on board should use arms or take position with arms. However, this was the second time Russian soldiers were in ready position as a ship passed through the strait.
The Russian military faced criticism from Turkey as well as other NATO members for staging the same sort of provocation on December 6, last year.
Turkish Coast Guard Units guided the ships while they were passing Turkish water line. Russian ships reportedly failed to inform Turkish authorities of their destinations.
