Spanish patrol boats monitor Russian ships in maritime operation
The Spanish Defense Command (EMAD) reported that the Spanish patrol boats "Atalaya" and "Vigia" tracked the Russian landing ships "Ivan Grien" and "Alexander Otrakowski", along with the tanker "Kola", in waters "under the sovereignty of Spain in the northwestern part of the peninsula".
5:38 PM EDT, March 27, 2024
According to a statement by the Spanish Ministry of Defense, the Russian group was monitored from March 21 to March 26.
Observation and deterrence operation
"The patrol boats 'Atalaya' and 'Vigía' monitored the passage of the Russian group, comprised of the landing assault ships 'Ivan Grien' and 'Alexander Otrakowski,' and the tanker 'Kola,' through the Spanish waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Both Spanish ships were engaged in presence, observation, and deterrence operations," the statement said.
The Spaniards shared, "After identifying the Russian Federation's ships, 'Atalaya' escorted these vessels until they reached the border with Portugal, where the Portuguese frigate 'Bartolomeu Dias' took over."
"Subsequently, on March 23 and 26, the Spanish patrol boat Vigía trailed the three Russian ships in the waters of the Bay of Cadiz. Throughout the Spanish navy's maritime surveillance and security operations, no incidents were reported," the Spanish Ministry of Defense announced.