The Albanian Protection Ministry mentioned on Saturday (20 August) that two of its troopers have been injured whereas attempting to cease two Russians and one Ukrainian who tried to enter a navy plant in central Albania.

“Three residents with Russian and Ukrainian passports have tried to enter the manufacturing unit,” the ministry mentioned.

“The officers who have been guarding the plant reacted instantly, however throughout their efforts to cease the three international nationals, two of our troopers have been injured,” the ministry mentioned, including that the troopers have been in secure situation.

The ministry mentioned the three international nationals have been detained. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama mentioned the three people are “suspected of espionage.”

The protection ministry mentioned one of many arrested, recognized solely as a Russian nationwide M.Z., 24 years outdated, entered the Gramsh plant’s territory and was attempting to take pictures.

The ministry mentioned the person used a form of spray in opposition to troopers whereas attempting to flee after being stopped by guards.

Two others, a Russian lady recognized as S.T., 33, and an Ukrainian man F.A., 25, have been additionally arrested within the neighborhood.

Many Russian and Ukrainian vacationers go to Albania throughout summer time holidays. The Gramsh navy base is greater than 70 kilometers away from the seashores.

Throughout its interval beneath Communist rule, Gramsh was used to supply the Russian kind of the AK-49 rifle.

In line with the ministry’s web site, the plant now supplies manufacturing providers for the protection trade. It didn’t give extra particulars.

Albania has been a member of NATO since 2009.