Turkey plans to strengthen its military presence in the occupied part of Cyprus by deploying F-16 fighter jets. According to the AFP and Reuters agencies, this is a direct response to Monday’s attack by an Iranian drone on the British Akrotiri base and subsequent actions by France, Britain and Greece, which are sending additional troops to the island.
Turkey in an effort to help ensure security in the occupied part of Cyprus, the so-called The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is considering sending its F-16 fighters to the island. The information was brought by the AFP and Reuters agencies, citing anonymous sources at the Turkish Ministry of Defense, writes TASR.
The British Akrotiri base in Cyprus was hit by an Iranian Shahid drone on Monday and caused “minor material damage”. In response, France, the United Kingdom and Greece announced the strengthening of their military presence on and around the island.
Security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
“Among the options being considered is the deployment of F-16 aircraft on the island,” an anonymous source told AFP, adding that the aim of such a move would be to ensure the security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
The island of Cyprus, inhabited by Greeks and Turks, has been divided since 1974, when there was a military coup supported by the then Greek military junta. The goal was to join Cyprus to Greece. Turkey responded with an invasion, the declared intention of which was to protect the local Turkish population. Nine years later, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus declared its independence. It is still recognized only by Turkey.
