By Arthur G
January 9, 2026
Turkey has accused Greece of conducting "unilateral" activities in the Aegean Sea, claiming that Athens is disregarding Ankara's maritime rights and interests. The Turkish Defense Ministry stated on Thursday that it is closely monitoring the operations of the Panama-flagged cable-laying vessel Ocean Link, which is installing fiber optic cables to enhance internet connectivity across Greek islands.
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"Greece is carrying out unilateral actions in the Aegean, ignoring our country's rights and interests arising from its maritime jurisdiction areas," sources from the Turkish Defense Ministry said. They specifically highlighted the Ocean Link's activities, noting that Greece had issued navigational advisories (Navtex) for the cable-laying work.
The ministry also denied recent Greek media reports alleging that a Turkish warship had harassed the vessel over radio communications. "Contrary to claims in the Greek press, there was no harassment of the vessel by Turkey," the sources emphasized.
According to a Navtex issued by the Hellenic Navy Hydrographic Service—valid until January 26—the Ocean Link is continuing its operations without disruption. The project began with connections between Amorgos and Astypalaia and is now reportedly extending toward the island of Kos.
This incident underscores ongoing tensions between the two neighbors over maritime boundaries and activities in the Aegean.
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