American F-22 fighter jets tore across the skies of Cyprus, flying over Famagusta and Karpasia, causing frustration in Ankara. By bypassing the so-called Turkish control center for the occupied territories in Cyprus, the United States ignored submitting the relevant request needed for flying over.
The U.S. Air Force conducted the exercise within the Nicosia FIR and the airspace of the Republic of Cyprus, centered on Famagusta Bay.
How did America get permission?
The United States secured a verbal note of permission to conduct the exercise through the U.S. Embassy to the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Cyprus. The Republic of Cyprus providing all facilities to U.S. forces. Turkey responded by issuing a notam attempting to cancel the exercise that is to be completed on November 5.
According to the ministry of defence, the situation highlights the Republic of Cyprus’ important role in the region as well as its continuous strong relations with the United States. He also stressed the importance of concluding bilateral agreements with 15 countries.
In November, Cyprus will organise the Nemesis exercise for the ninth consecutive year. The countries participating include the U.S., Greece, France, Italy, Egypt and Israel participating.
Incident in Deneia, Cyprus
Meanwhile, Turkish provocations in Deneia continue under the tolerance of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), according to Alpha News Live. The community leader of Deneia, Christakis Panagiotou, stated the following about the incident:
“A farmer went to the buffer zone area to cultivate his fields and the United Nations went there. The United Nations approached the farmer and urged him to leave the area because it is dangerous and said the Turks would arrest him,” Panagiotou said.
Panagioutou further added, “When the farmer replied [to the UN] that he had been cultivating the field for 15 years, they asked him why he did not go to the outpost erected by the Turks to protest.”
The community leader mentioned as well that the United Nations said they had to follow certain instructions. They also notified him that if he didn’t leave, the Turks would arrest the him.
That, is in fact, what came to pass. According to the Community President of Deneia, “In half an hour Turkish soldiers came down with trucks. However, the farmer was towards the end of his work. It was therefore difficult to arrest him because he was locked inside his tractor. The farmer finished his job and left.”
In addition, Panagiotou stated that the same farmer went there again on the same day in the afternoon with other farmers, as that is the location of their fields. “We don’t know how they will react,” he noted, which is why he is continuous communication with the farmers, “because we don’t know what will happen.”
Panagiotou concluded by explaining that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as the National Guard have been informed to take care of the issue.
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