Russia claims drones launched from Libya sank tanker

A Russian gas tanker sank in the Mediterranean between Libya and Malta after an explosion that Moscow blamed on Ukrainian drones launched from Libya, reports The Libya Gazette on March 9th.

The vessel was carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) when it caught fire and sank a day after the blast. Russia’s transport ministry said the attack targeted a ship linked to the country’s wider energy transport network.

Ukraine has repeatedly targeted Russian oil refineries and energy infrastructure during the war; if confirmed, the strike would mark the first attack on an LNG tanker. Libya’s National Oil Corporation denied any connection with the vessel, while Egypt’s petroleum ministry said the tanker was not bound for Egyptian ports.

The Libyan Gazette