Ankara (TDI): Turkiye has deployed six F-16 fighter jets along with air defense systems to Northern Cyprus to enhance security for the Turkish community on the island, the Turkish Defense Ministry announced on Monday.
The ministry added that additional measures could be taken depending on further developments in the region.
The deployment follows heightened military activity in Cyprus after an Iranian drone, believed by security officials to have been fired by Hezbollah, an ally of Iran, hit the British Akrotiri Air Base last week. European powers have also increased their military presence on the ethnically divided island in recent days.
“In the context of the latest developments in our region, six F-16 fighter jets and air defense systems have been deployed to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as of today,” the ministry said, describing the move as part of phased planning to strengthen the breakaway state’s security.
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Turkiye, which only recognizes the Turkish Cypriot administration in the north, warned that further measures would be taken if necessary.
Ankara has also criticized European deployments to the island, calling them actions that risk drawing Cyprus into the wider regional conflict.
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The deployment comes amid escalating tensions across the Middle East as Iran continues retaliatory strikes following US and Israeli attacks. Earlier this week, Iran fired missiles at Israel in the name of its new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, while Israel targeted five oil facilities in and around Tehran.
