Increased military activity linked to humanitarian mission amid regional tensions

The activity observed in the last few days with the presence of ships and/or aircraft in Cyprus is due to the humanitarian role that the country is called upon to assume in light of developments in the region, Government Spokesman, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, told CNA on Friday.

Asked by CNA to comment on the activity that has been observed recently in Cyprus on the occasion of the arrival on Thursday of a US Navy ship at the port of Limassol, Letymbiotis said that the activity observed in recent days on the island with the presence of ships and/or aircraft “is part of the humanitarian role that Cyprus is called upon - once again - to assume in light of the developments in the region and they concern evacuation assistance, should the need arise”.

Everyone’s hope, he added, is the prevention of escalation of the crisis noting that the Republic of Cyprus was working towards that direction together with its international partners. At the same time, however, he said, preparations continue for the activation of the 'Estia' national plan, for the evacuation of third-country nationals through Cyprus if needed, hence, he added, the activity.

Letymbiotis noted that the criticality of the times, calls for seriousness and avoiding the hasty adoption of fake news targeting the Republic of Cyprus.

In the meantime, the Ministry of Defence announced that in the context of the military cooperation of the Republic of Cyprus with the United States training activities would be conducted between Tuesday and Friday within the Nicosia FIR, which would include air defence exercises with low-flying aircraft.