Increased mobility is recorded in the dead zone, specifically in the village of Pyla in , with the Cypriot government being on a heightened level of alertness.
Government spokesman Constantinos Letympiotis spoke of a “violation of the dead zone” by occupying forces in the area of Plati, north of Pyla, underlining that this is an action “aimed at questioning the status of the area and creating new status quo”. As he noted, the Republic of Cyprus is in constant communication with the peacekeeping force of the United Nations, supporting efforts for de-escalation.
At the same time, UNFICYP is attempting to refute scenarios that have sparked concern. The mission’s spokesman, Aleem Siddique, clarified that “no tank entered the dead zone” and that no flag was hoisted inside it. As he explained, the vehicles recorded were SUVs and were outside the zone, on the northern ceasefire line, while he also denied reports of clashes with peacekeepers.
The situation is fragile
Despite denials, the situation remains fragile. The blue-collar patrols have been reinforced in the area, while vehicles of the mission and the “police” of the pseudo-state remain nearby, with the aim of controlling the situation. At the same time, forces from British bases have been deployed as a precaution.
The issue has already been put under the management of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, which is closely monitoring the developments and taking diplomatic actions.
On the part of the UN, the special representative of the secretary general and head of the mission in Cyprus, Cassim Dianieh, called for restraint and respect for the mandate of the peacekeeping force, stressing that maintaining stability in the region is a top priority.
The leader of the pseudo-state, Tufan Erhiurman, followed suit, stating that “the Turkish Cypriot side was not and will not be in favor of tension”, claiming that the situation in the region is now calm and that the dialogue continues.
