Greece has ordered the immediate deployment of a military force to the Republic of Cyprus following strikes on the island and a deteriorating regional security situation during the US-led war against Iran.
Greek National Defence Minister Nikos Dendias announced on Monday afternoon that, following a meeting of the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA), the frigate Kimon and a second frigate equipped with the “Kentauros” anti-drone system are being dispatched to the Eastern Mediterranean.
The deployment includes a pair of F-16 fighter jets to bolster the Republic’s air defence capabilities. Dendias, who confirmed that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has been in direct contact with President Nikos Christodoulides, stated that Greece will contribute to the defence of Cyprus “throughout the duration of the crisis.”
The military intervention by Athens follows a series of critical escalations on Monday, including the mandatory evacuation of Akrotiri village and the total evacuation of the British Sovereign Base Areas (SBA), which was expanded to include Dhekelia.
Dendias and the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff are scheduled to arrive in Cyprus on Tuesday to coordinate with local commanders.