Turkey Reaffirms Support for TRNC Security and Sovereignty
Turkish Defence Ministry Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting Rights and Security of TRNC
The Turkish Ministry of National Defence has stated that Türkiye will continue to safeguard the rights, security, and interests of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, following recent regional tensions and developments in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In its weekly press briefing, Ministry spokesperson Zeki Aktürk emphasized that the Turkish Armed Forces possess both the capability and determination to respond strongly to any actions perceived as a threat to the security of Turkish Cypriots.
Position on Cyprus-related agreements
The Ministry criticized a recent agreement signed between France and the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus, stating that France does not hold guarantor status in Cyprus.
According to the statement, the agreement is viewed by Ankara as an attempt to unilaterally alter the sensitive balance on the island while ignoring the sovereign equality and rights of Turkish Cypriots.
It was also stated that such arrangements are contrary to the Cyprus Agreements of 1960 and international law.
Türkiye reiterated its position as a guarantor state and stressed that it will continue to ensure the security and rights of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Rejection of media allegations
The Ministry strongly rejected reports circulating in some media outlets and on social media claiming that Turkish aircraft harassed planes carrying the Greek Defence Minister and other European officials.
“These organized and deliberate provocative claims do not reflect reality,” the Ministry stated.
Airspace incident on 7 June 2026
The Ministry provided details regarding an incident on 7 June 2026, stating that four out of six aircraft operating on the Greece–Greek Cypriot Administration route violated Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus airspace.
Following the incident, two F-16 fighter jets assigned to quick reaction alert duties and stationed in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus were immediately scrambled as a precautionary measure.
Authorities emphasized that Turkish aircraft operated strictly within Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus airspace and did not violate any other airspace. It was also confirmed that no harassment of foreign aircraft took place.
The Ministry warned against actions and narratives that could further escalate tensions in the region.
Comment on wider regional conflicts
The Defence Ministry also addressed the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, calling for an immediate end to hostilities.
Officials stated that continued escalation benefits no side and reiterated support for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.
Ankara emphasized that diplomatic solutions remain the only viable path to stability in the region.
