Russian military accused of harassing US-flagged cargo ship

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(WASHINGTON) — The Russian military has been accused of harassing a U.S.-flagged cargo ship carrying equipment for an annual military exercise in the Baltic region, Defense News reported.

At least one Russian naval vessel and helicopters harassed M/V Green Ridge in late May as it was bound for a port in Lithuania. The ship’s master characterized the encounter as “intense and threatening,” according an internal report on the incident obtained by Defense News.

In a statement, U.S. Transportation Command said it is aware of the incident and acknowledged the ship was carrying equipment for Exercise Saber Strike 2017, which involves U.S. and NATO troops. Experts warn that the harassment of unarmed U.S. ships carrying military equipment highlights a potential vulnerability in the ability of the U.S. to move heavy equipment to the region.

Central Gulf Lines was operating M/V Green Ridge, a 57,000-gross-ton vehicle carrier, at the time of the incident.

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By Professional Mariner Staff