Newsroom
The United States has asked Cyprus to assist American citizens seeking to leave conflict-hit countries in the Middle East, as regional tensions continue to escalate, journalist Michalis Ignatiou said Tuesday.
Speaking to Greek broadcaster SKAI, Ignatiou reported that Washington requested Cyprus’ support in helping facilitate the repatriation of U.S. nationals fleeing the region. The request also includes transferring American military personnel to Cyprus to help coordinate the evacuation effort.
According to Ignatiou, Cyprus’ role would be strictly humanitarian, similar to past crises when the island served as a safe transit hub for foreign nationals escaping instability in neighboring countries.
Cyprus has long acted as a logistical gateway between Europe and the Middle East due to its geographic proximity, hosting evacuation operations during previous regional conflicts.
Ignatiou also highlighted expressions of gratitude from Greek Cypriots toward Greece, noting public appreciation for Athens’ decision to deploy frigates and fighter jets as part of a broader security shield around the island amid growing drone threats.
At the same time, he raised criticism regarding the British sovereign bases in Cyprus following the drone that crashed near RAF Akrotiri shortly after midnight Sunday. He argued that, given their presence on the island under long-standing agreements dating back to 1960, the bases should ensure protection not only for their own personnel but also for nearby civilian communities.
The developments come as Cyprus finds itself increasingly central to both humanitarian and security operations linked to the widening crisis in the Middle East, serving simultaneously as an evacuation hub and a frontline support point for allied nations.
