Cyprus has reported 659 alleged violations by Turkish military aircraft and naval vessels over a two-month period to the United Nations, accusing Ankara of infringing on its sovereignty and violating international aviation and maritime regulations.
The incidents, recorded during June and July 2026, were detailed in a September 29 letter from Cyprus’ Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Maria Michael, to UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
According to the Cyprus News Agency, the letter was circulated on October 2 as an official document of the UN General Assembly and Security Council.
More Than 600 Aviation Incidents
The letter and its four annexes document 626 aviation incidents and 33 naval incidents. Of the aviation cases, 203 involved unmanned aerial vehicles and 192 involved armed fighter aircraft.
The aircraft identified include Turkish F-16 fighter jets, Bayraktar TB-2, ANKA, AKINCI and AKSUNGUR drones, military helicopters and other aircraft.
According to Nicosia, Turkish military aircraft entered the Nicosia Flight Information Region (FIR) and Cypriot national airspace without diplomatic clearance or communication with the Nicosia Area Control Center.
The complaint distinguishes between alleged violations of national airspace and breaches of international air traffic regulations.
Cyprus also accused Turkey of conducting unauthorized military exercises and issuing a notice to airmen (NOTAM) that Nicosia considers unlawful.
Naval Activity and Cyprus Peace Talks
The 33 reported naval incidents involved Turkish frigates, missile boats, submarines, landing ships and patrol vessels.
Cypriot authorities alleged that Turkish warships violated the country’s territorial waters and made unauthorized use of the ports of Famagusta and Kyrenia, which the Republic of Cyprus has officially declared closed.
In her letter, Michael said Turkish military activity continued beyond the incidents documented for June and July.
She also accused Turkey of repeatedly violating the military status quo, increasing its military presence and expanding infrastructure in the Turkish-occupied northern part of the island.
Nicosia maintained that these activities challenged Cyprus’ sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and were inconsistent with the UN Charter and international law.
The Cypriot representative warned that the continued military activity undermined efforts to rebuild trust between the two communities and complicated prospects for resuming substantive negotiations toward a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue.
She added that the situation contributed to a growing sense of insecurity among Cypriots.
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