Umit Turk and Asiye Latife Yilmaz
25 March 2025•Update: 25 March 2025
ISTANBUL
The Istanbul Strait Command’s diverse maritime operations and international collaborations underscore Türkiye's strategic role in maintaining security in the Black Sea.
With continuous surveillance using ships and helicopters equipped with advanced imaging technologies, the Istanbul Strait Command ensures maritime security in the region. These efforts are essential in reducing security risks in both the Black Sea and the Istanbul Strait.
Operating with 16 units at 11 positions, the command is tasked with safeguarding maritime rights and interests in the Istanbul Strait and its surrounding waters, enforcing the provisions of the Montreux Convention, and conducting humanitarian missions during natural disasters.
Rear Admiral Selcuk Akari, commander of the Istanbul Strait Command, highlighted the command's critical role in protecting Türkiye's maritime rights and interests. He stated: “The Istanbul Strait Command, which I have been leading for nearly a year, has a significant role in protecting our country’s rights and interests in the Blue Homeland, both through its mission and the tasks it performs.”
He further emphasized that the Command remains combat-ready, carefully monitoring the Montreux Convention in light of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, while also addressing the risk of drifting mines in the Black Sea.
Mine clearance operations in Black Sea
Regarding mine clearance operations in the Black Sea, a result of the Russia-Ukraine war, Akari explained: "Under this operation, our ships have accumulated over 24,000 sailing hours. Together with our maritime air units, we have conducted over 1,000 sorties and more than 5,000 flight hours. Mines identified have been neutralized by our underwater defense (SAS) task teams."
He also mentioned the Mine Counter Measures Black Sea Task Group (MCM Black Sea), formed under Türkiye’s leadership alongside Romania and Bulgaria. This group operates under a memorandum of understanding signed in Istanbul. Akari noted that after a Jan. 15, 2025 meeting, the leadership of the MCM Black Sea Task Group was transferred to Bulgaria. He added that Mine Countermeasure operations, exercises, and training have been held in the Western Black Sea during the task group's activation periods.
Special units for natural disasters
The Istanbul Strait Command has specialized units prepared for natural disasters such as fires and earthquakes, as well as chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats.
The command is responsible for deploying tents, providing logistical support during disasters, and setting up secure areas with specialized tents to manage CBRN threats. These operations extend beyond military requirements and can also be implemented for the people of the Beykoz region if needed and upon request.
