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In a recent letter addressed to the chairman and members of the House Standing Committee on Internal Affairs, the Chlorakas Community Council voiced concerns about the alleged influx of young jihadists in the Pafos area. According to a report from PhileNews, the community council suggested that this phenomenon indirectly contributed to tensions against foreigners and raised questions about national security and political motivations.
The letter stated that over the past six months, Chlorakas had witnessed a surge in the settlement of young Islamist individuals. It claimed that the primary hub for these individuals was the St. Nikolas Residence, although they had also reportedly settled in various other locations in Chloraka and its vicinity. Most of them were said to have arrived from Turkey, with a few originating from Lebanon, and they were believed to have traveled to Cyprus by boat.
The Chlorakas Community Council asserted that these young people were guided to Cyprus by illegal non-governmental organizations (NGOs), a prominent businessman known for establishing significant settlements in Pafos, and a network of Syrian smugglers and exploiters based in the region.
According to the council's claims, NGOs facilitated the asylum applications of these individuals with legal support before transporting them to Paphos. Subsequently, the influential businessman reportedly took charge of some of them, while the young jihadists allegedly fell under the influence of the Syrian ring in Paphos. These individuals were provided shelter in various locations, including St. Nikolas Residence, where they were engaged in undeclared labor, theft, and drug-related activities. The council also alleged that they were involved in the sale of stolen goods, unregistered vehicles, and the operation of mini markets and cafes near the complex.
Furthermore, the Chlorakas Community Council contended that these individuals were indoctrinated and trained to perceive Cypriots as enemies. On August 14, they purportedly organized a protest, during which they chanted religious slogans and threatened harm to community leaders, including the muktaris, and property belonging to the Community Council of Chloraka and K.S. Chlorakas.
The letter raised questions about the motives behind this influx and called for an investigation into the economic and political interests associated with the situation.
