Fifty-two years have passed since the second phase of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, known as Attila II, began in August 1974.
The operation followed the collapse of peace talks in Geneva, which Turkey is described as having used as cover while reinforcing its forces on the island and preparing for a renewed offensive.
The second phase of the invasion lasted just three days. During that period, Turkish forces advanced to Famagusta and Morphou, completing the objectives of Operation Attila II, despite UN Security Council Resolution 353 of 20 July, which called for an immediate ceasefire and an end to foreign intervention in Cyprus.
The coded message of 14 August
Rumours of a new Turkish advance intensified on 13 August.
At 3am on 14 August, Turkish Foreign Minister Turan Güneş reportedly telephoned Ankara and requested to speak with Prime Minister Bülent Ecevit.
Using a coded phrase, he said:
"Ayşe can go on holiday."
Ayşe was the name of Güneş' daughter.
The message signalled that the second phase of the invasion could begin immediately.
Shortly afterwards, Turkish tanks advanced in two directions, east towards Famagusta and west towards Morphou.
Within almost three days, by 6pm on 16 August, Turkish forces had reached both cities, completing the line that became known as the Attila Line.
Advance across northern Cyprus
Turkish troops, supported by tanks and air power, advanced from the Kyrenia bridgehead.
Despite resistance by Greek Cypriot and Greek forces, including the battle at the ELDYK camp, Turkish forces achieved their objectives, aided by overwhelming superiority in military equipment and troop numbers.
With the completion of Attila II on 16 August, Turkey had occupied approximately 36% of Cypriot territory, creating the division line that remains in place today.
Approximately 200,000 Greek Cypriots were displaced from their homes.
The period was also marked by killings and acts of violence.
According to the article, Attila II completed the partition of the island, a plan which it says was later revealed to have been developed by Turkey in consultation with then US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.
The operation marked the peak of the Cyprus tragedy, with the consequences of the invasion continuing to shape the island more than five decades later.
Government officials, political parties, organised groups and citizens continue to mark the anniversary, pledging to continue efforts towards the liberation and reunification of Cyprus.
Foreign minister: The struggle continues
Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said the consequences of the invasion and continued occupation cannot be forgotten.
In a post on X marking the anniversary, he said:
"52 years since the second phase of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. Turkey’s ongoing crime and the continuing occupation can neither be erased nor concealed, and will never be forgiven."
52 years since the second phase of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
— Constantinos Kombos (@ckombos) August 14, 2026
Turkey’s ongoing crime and the continuing occupation can neither be erased nor concealed, and will never be forgiven.
Famagusta, Morphou, our occupied towns and villages, the displaced, our fallen and our… pic.twitter.com/qtiiBfj18F
Source: CNA
