The Russian army launched a ballistic missile strike on the bulk carrier MJ Pinar with a Syrian crew on board.
This was reported by Odesa Regional Military Administration and Odesa City Council.
The strike on the bulk carrier occurred while it was docked at the Odessa port, where it was about to depart for Algeria with a cargo of grain. After the strike, a fire broke out on the ship, and the vessel was damaged by debris.
According to the Odessa Regional Prosecutor's Office, as a result of the attack, 4 people were killed—citizens of Syria. The youngest deceased was 18, and the oldest was 24. Two others were injured—a Ukrainian and a Syrian. They are receiving the necessary medical assistance.
The bulk carrier MJ Pinar is registered in Barbados and sails under the flag of that country. At the time of the strike, the ship was loaded with 30,000 tons of wheat. Another vessel, piers, and grain storage facilities were also damaged.
Russia is targeting Ukrainian infrastructure, particularly ports involved in ensuring global food security.
Currently, the Syrian government has not commented on the death of its citizens as a result of the Russian strike.
