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Militarization of Mediterranean rises with exploration disputes

Diplomatic attempts to resolve disagreements over energy exploration in the eastern Mediterranean haven't worked so far, and the situation is becoming more and more militarized.
Turkish Navy frigate Gaziantep escorts drilling vessel Fatih off the Mediterranean resort city of Antalya, Turkey October 30, 2018. REUTERS/Can Sezer - RC13CFEF2A80

Tensions are rising quickly in the eastern Mediterranean over sharing hydrocarbon reserves in the area.

The latest developments signal increasing volatility. On Nov. 4, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called certain foreign oil companies "bandits of the sea" and warned them against conducting exploration activities near Cyprus. Turkey controls the northern third of the divided island.

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