Newsroom
Authorities in the occupied north of Cyprus say they have detained 14 people following a late-night shooting incident in an industrial area of occupied Famagusta, while one suspect remains on the run.
According to a statement attributed to the “police” and reported in Turkish Cypriot media, the incident unfolded around 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday when a verbal argument outside a mechanics’ workshop escalated into a physical fight involving three people.
Investigators say the situation then took a dangerous turn when another individual allegedly opened fire with a pistol he was illegally carrying, firing “indiscriminately” towards a group of people that reportedly included a relative. Despite the gunfire, no one was injured, though a parked vehicle was damaged. Four spent 9mm cartridges were later recovered at the scene.
Following the incident, authorities say 14 people were taken into custody for questioning, while efforts are continuing to locate the alleged shooter, who fled the scene.
The case has added to growing concerns about gun-related violence in the area, even in incidents where no injuries occur, as in this latest shooting.
In a separate development the same day, “police” in occupied Nicosia carried out a search at a residence and arrested one individual after reportedly finding around 12 grams of a substance believed to be cannabis, along with six prescription-only pharmaceutical tablets.
Authorities say investigations into both cases are ongoing.
