20.07.2026 07:20
A group of Greek Cypriots gathered on the GKRY side of the Metehan Border Gate before the anniversary of the July 20 Peace Operation in the TRNC, held a provocative demonstration by chanting slogans against Turkey and Turks. While the escalation of tension was prevented by security forces, Turkey sent a striking message with a training flight involving F-16s in the south of Cyprus.
A group of Greek Cypriots held a provocative demonstration on the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus (GCASC) side of the Metehan Border Gate ahead of the 52nd anniversary celebrations of the July 20, 1974 Cyprus Peace Operation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
The group, carrying Greek flags, tried to escalate tensions by chanting slogans such as "Turks out of Cyprus," "Turkey out of Cyprus," and "No to federation." The escalation of the incidents was prevented thanks to the intensive measures taken by the security forces of both sides.
NEW PROTEST CALL
The groups organizing the demonstration announced in their program that they will gather again on July 20 at the Ledra Palace Border Gate under the name "Great Gathering."
TURKEY'S F-16 MESSAGE
Following the provocative demonstrations on the Greek Cypriot side, a striking move came from Turkey. The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) announced that a training flight was conducted south of the island of Cyprus in the international airspace of the Mediterranean with the participation of combat and support aircraft taking off from various bases under the Air Force Command.
STATEMENT FROM THE MSB
In the post made on the ministry's social media account, the following statements were included: "A training flight was conducted south of the island of Cyprus in the international airspace of the Mediterranean with the participation of our combat and support aircraft taking off from various bases under our Air Force Command. We are the relentless guardians of our skies, always and everywhere."