Five Azerbaijani crew members were killed, and three others were injured after two cargo vessels were hit in a drone attack in the Sea of Azov, Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry said on Friday, as Russia blamed Ukraine for the strike.
Russia accused Ukraine on Friday of carrying out a drone attack on two cargo vessels in the Sea of Azov that killed five Azerbaijani crew members and injured three others.
Russia's Foreign Ministry said the ships Natra and Zircon were sailing from Türkiye to the southern Russian port of Rostov-on-Don when they came under attack.
"The circumstances of the incident are being investigated. According to available information, the vessels were attacked by Ukrainian drones, which once again confirms the terrorist nature of the Kyiv regime, which is increasingly targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure," the ministry said.
According to Aykhan Hajizada, Head of the Press Service Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the attacks took place overnight in Taganrog Bay.
The ministry said the vessels were carrying a total of 25 Azerbaijani citizens, although neither ship belonged to the Azerbaijani state.
"Two foreign cargo ships carrying a total of 25 Azerbaijani citizens on board were subjected to drone attacks during the night," Hajizada said in a statement.
"According to relevant information received from the Russian side, a total of five Azerbaijani citizens were killed, and three others were injured as a result of the attack. The injured have been hospitalised in the city hospital of Yeysk," Hajizada added.
No further details about the identities of the victims were immediately released.
Earlier on Friday, Ukraine announced drone strikes against several vessels in the ports of Mariupol and Berdyansk, as well as in nearby coastal waters.
Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine's drone forces, said the operation targeted dry cargo ships and a tanker allegedly involved in transporting military supplies, fuel and Ukrainian grain.
According to Brovdi, the vessels had their names painted over, and their radar systems switched off while carrying what he described as stolen Ukrainian grain and military cargo.
Ukraine did not immediately comment on Azerbaijan's report of casualties among Azerbaijani crew members.
The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said it is working closely with Azerbaijani diplomatic missions and relevant authorities to assist those affected.
Several staff members from Azerbaijan's embassy in Russia have travelled to the area to provide support and gather information.
"Issues related to the condition of the citizens, their return to the country, and the provision of necessary consular support are being closely monitored," the ministry said.
Officials added that efforts are continuing to support the survivors and the families of those killed.
The ministry also condoled with the relatives of those who lost their lives in the incident.
"We extend our deepest condolences to the families and relatives of those who lost their lives and wish the injured a speedy recovery," Hajizada said.
Russia offered its condolences to the families of those killed in the attack and said it was working closely with Azerbaijani officials. It pledged to provide any assistance needed in the aftermath of the incident.
This is a developing story.
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