Turkey has deployed six F-16 fighter jets and air defence systems to northern Cyprus as tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate amid the ongoing war involving Iran, Ankara said on Monday.
According to a statement from the Turkish Ministry of National Defence, the deployment is aimed at strengthening security for the Turkish community in northern Cyprus and protecting the region from potential spillover from the conflict.
“In the context of the latest developments in our region, six F-16 fighter jets and air defence systems have been deployed to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as of today,” the ministry said.
Officials added that the move forms part of a phased security plan and warned that Ankara could take additional measures depending on how the regional situation develops.
The deployment comes after growing security concerns around the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, which remains divided between the internationally recognized Greek Cypriot south and the Turkish-controlled north.
European powers have increased their military presence on the island in recent days following a drone strike last week on the RAF Akrotiri Air Base, a British military installation in Cyprus.
Security officials believe the drone was launched by Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group.
Turkey does not recognize the internationally recognized Greek Cypriot government in southern Cyprus, which is a member of the European Union. Instead, Ankara recognizes only the breakaway Turkish Cypriot state in the north.
The island has remained divided since 1974, when Turkish forces intervened following a coup backed by Greece.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated further last week when NATO air defence systems reportedly intercepted a ballistic missile fired from Iran that entered Turkish airspace.
The incident occurred amid the expanding conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel, raising fears that the war could spread further across the region.
Following the interception, Ankara warned Tehran against launching additional missiles toward Turkish territory.
Turkey has also criticized the increased European military deployments to Cyprus, arguing that the moves could risk dragging the island into the broader regional conflict.
Despite the criticism, Ankara says it will continue to monitor developments closely and strengthen defensive measures in northern Cyprus if necessary.
The situation has heightened fears that the Mediterranean region could become another front in the widening Middle East crisis.
