The deployment of Turkish F‑16 fighter jets and air defence systems was carried out to strengthen the security not only of north Cyprus “but of the entire island”, the Turkish Ministry of Defence has claimed.
According to a statement, the ministry noted that the security of the north and the preservation of peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean remain of “strategic importance for Turkey”.
It added that “following the missile and drone threat that emerged from clashes between the United States-Israel and Iran”, Turkey deployed air and air defence assets in the north “to bolster deterrence, support airspace security and enhance our rapid‑response capability to potential threats”.
Stressing that “Turkey is a guarantor country in Cyprus”, the ministry argued that “in an environment where certain non‑guarantor countries are sending military assets to the island and the Eastern Mediterranean, the measures taken by Turkey constitute a necessary, reasonable and balanced security approach.”
The ministry added that Turkey provided sufficient cover for north Cyprus.
“Turkey acts with an understanding that does not escalate tensions but protects peace and stability in the region.”
No hesitation to use guarantor rights
Highlighting that the security of Turkey and the north were the same, the ministry highlighted: “We will not allow any hostile stance or fait accompli targeting the rights and interests of Turkish Cypriots, and we will not hesitate to use the rights and powers deriving from our guarantor status.”
The Turkish Defence Ministry also criticised Greece for military activities on Eastern Aegean islands, arguing that islands such as Lemnos and Karpathos should remain demilitarised under international treaties. Ankara says such actions violate treaties and harm relations of neighbourhood and alliance between the two countries.
Patriot more suitable than S-400
The ministry added that a Patriot air defence system assigned by NATO’s Allied Air Command in Ramstein, Germany, is being deployed to Malatya as a complementary element of Turkey’s air defence architecture. This deployment follows the interception of two ballistic missiles launched from Iran, which were neutralised by NATO air defence assets, it said.
Responding to questions as to why the Russian S‑400 system was not used, the ministry said Turkey’s air defence operates in a multi‑layered structure and that when a ballistic missile is detected, the system automatically selects the fastest and most suitable interception asset. It added that against the threat directed towards Turkey, “the most effective means were activated and the projectile was successfully destroyed.”
Anti-war protest outside US offices in north
Meanwhile, 36 civil society organisations protested against the ongoing war with Iran outside the US Embassy office in north Nicosia on Wednesday.
Under the slogans “Solution, peace, now” and “End imperialism and war!”, the protest was led by secondary teachers’ union KTOEÖS.
The joint statement read by KTOEÖS head Selma Eylem said the attacks carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran “in line with their imperialist interests are dragging the region into war and into a large‑scale global catastrophe”.
The statement added: “Freedom cannot come to a country through external intervention, military attacks, targeting a school with 160 girls, and the killing of children and civilians.”
Calls for demilitarisation of island
According to the joint declaration, the US‑Israeli attack on Iran is part of a broader plan to dominate the region. Eylem said this situation affects Cyprus too, and that the presence of British bases – along with the concentration of weapons on the island by European and NATO forces – increases military tensions and heightens the risk of Cyprus becoming a target.
The demonstrators called for the demilitarisation of Cyprus, with Eylem stating that the island should be cleared of all bases and weapons and must not be allowed to be used as a base for imperialist attacks. “Efforts must be made to prevent a repetition of the wars that brought pain, tears, loss and destruction to our island; the imperialists who dragged our island into war must withdraw, and a solution and lasting peace, not war, must be achieved,” she concluded.
Source: CNA