From EUobserver · · 1m 10s
When Does Hybrid Attack Become NATO Attack?
Two ships hit by drones in Black Sea raise NATO's hybrid attack dilemma.
In brief
Two ships hit by drones in Black Sea raise NATO's hybrid attack dilemma. Bulgarian ships damaged by drones in Black Sea spark NATO's debate on when drone attacks cross into direct attacks. Originally reported by EUobserver.
Two ships hit by drones
Two ships were hit by drones in Bulgarian waters in the Black Sea on Monday.
One sank, 11 missing
One sank with 11 crew members missing, the second was damaged but all 15 on board were rescued.
Previous attacks
Two other cargo ships were attacked by drones a week earlier, killing 10 people, and a Turkish grain ship was sunk on October 5.
No Russian claim
There is no evidence proving Russia was behind these attacks, and Moscow has not claimed responsibility.
Bulgarian response
Bulgarian Prime Minister Roumen Radev summoned Russia's ambassador, saying the attacks benefited Russia more than anyone else.
Ambiguity complicates NATO
The uncertainty over who controls the drones makes it hard for NATO to decide when an incident becomes an attack.
The bottom line
Bulgarian ships damaged by drones in Black Sea spark NATO's debate on when drone attacks cross into direct attacks.
