ALBANIA - Three foreign citizens, 2 from Russia and 1 from Ukraine, have been arrested while trying to enter an Albanian Military Plant, with 2 Albanian soldiers injured in the event.
The Defense Ministry in Albania has stated that the 3 individuals have been detained on allegations of suspected espionage, as the 3 men were caught entering the grounds of the plant and began to take photographs.
According to Reuters, When the 3 individuals were approached by military personnel, they defended themselves with some type of aerosol spray, which lead to the injury of the Albanian soldiers.
The 3 individuals were only identified by their nationality, gender, initials, and age.
Gramsh, located in central Albania, is known as a tourist destination during the summer months, as the town is located not far from beaches on the Ionian Sea, across from Italy.
The land has been inhabited since ancient times, and during the reign of the Ottoman Empire, it was known as Grameç ( Turkish ) as late as 1912.
The plant, which the 3 individuals were trespassing, was the original plant that manufactured the legendary AK-49 Kalashnikov Rifle, during the Soviet Union era. It is stated by the Defense Ministry's website that the plant now manufactures for the defense industry exclusively for Albania, but no further information was given.
The Moscow Times has reported that the factory is now used for destruct of old and out-dated military equipment and weapons.
In regards to the aerosol used on the Albanian soldiers, The Times reported this from the Albanian Ministry of Defense:
Albania is a member of NATO and has been since 2009.
The Defense Ministry in Albania has stated that the 3 individuals have been detained on allegations of suspected espionage, as the 3 men were caught entering the grounds of the plant and began to take photographs.
According to Reuters, When the 3 individuals were approached by military personnel, they defended themselves with some type of aerosol spray, which lead to the injury of the Albanian soldiers.
The 3 individuals were only identified by their nationality, gender, initials, and age.
- Russia - Male - M.Z. - 24
- Russia - Female - S.T. - 33
- Ukraine - Male - F.A. - 25
Gramsh, located in central Albania, is known as a tourist destination during the summer months, as the town is located not far from beaches on the Ionian Sea, across from Italy.
The land has been inhabited since ancient times, and during the reign of the Ottoman Empire, it was known as Grameç ( Turkish ) as late as 1912.
The plant, which the 3 individuals were trespassing, was the original plant that manufactured the legendary AK-49 Kalashnikov Rifle, during the Soviet Union era. It is stated by the Defense Ministry's website that the plant now manufactures for the defense industry exclusively for Albania, but no further information was given.
The Moscow Times has reported that the factory is now used for destruct of old and out-dated military equipment and weapons.
In regards to the aerosol used on the Albanian soldiers, The Times reported this from the Albanian Ministry of Defense:
Albania is a member of NATO and has been since 2009.
Sources
Reuters | DW | The Moscow Times
Photo Information
Photo: Military Police Albania & Airforce | Albanian222 | CC-BY-SA-4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons
Importance
MEDIUM - HIGH
Reuters | DW | The Moscow Times
Photo Information
Photo: Military Police Albania & Airforce | Albanian222 | CC-BY-SA-4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons
Importance
MEDIUM - HIGH
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