Five Azerbaijani citizens were killed and three others were injured following a drone attack on two foreign cargo ships in the Sea of Azov on the night of May 5. The incident, which involved vessels not owned by the Republic of Azerbaijan, has prompted an immediate response from diplomatic authorities.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) confirmed that a total of 25 Azerbaijani citizens were among the crew members on the vessels. "Drone attacks were carried out on the foreign cargo ships in question. The ships do not belong to the Azerbaijani state. We have received information from the Russian side that a total of 5 of our citizens were killed and 3 were injured as a result of the attack. The injured have been hospitalized in the city of Yeysk," the MFA stated.
The ministry further noted that it is currently coordinating with relevant state agencies, Azerbaijan's diplomatic missions, and the competent authorities of the involved countries to manage the aftermath of the tragedy. "Several employees of our embassy in Russia have departed for the scene. The condition of our citizens, their repatriation, and the provision of necessary consular support are being kept in focus. We express our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to the injured," the statement added.
The Sea of Azov has become a critical maritime zone in the ongoing regional conflict, frequently witnessing military activity. The safety of civilian maritime traffic and the protection of crew members on commercial vessels remain a significant concern for international diplomatic missions operating in the region.
