Turkish occupation forces have moved military vehicles in an area adjacent the buffer zone at Pyla and planted a Turkish and a “TRNC” flag near the area, triggering the deployment of British Bases forces, as a standoff with UN peacekeeping mission UNFICYP is developing.
The situation remains tense, according to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA). UN peacekeeping vehicles and occupied north “police” vehicles remain parked along the Green Line, with UNFICYP’s presence in the area reinforced to control the situation and prevent further escalation — a step the UN had previously announced.
Occupation forces also planted a “TRNC” flag near the buffer zone, according to CyBC.
A source cited by CNA said a UN vehicle is positioned near a point where enclosures belonging to Turkish Cypriots are located. On Wednesday morning, a “police” from the occupied north vehicle was recorded parked very close to the same point.
The build-up follows a sequence of escalating moves over recent days. The Turkish occupation army first entered the buffer zone under the guise of a “police presence,” blocking Veterinary Services from visiting veterinary units in the area — a move that sparked a dispute with UNFICYP. The occupation forces have since reinforced and upgraded their presence at the site.
The Republic of Cyprus Foreign Ministry has taken charge of managing the situation and is closely monitoring developments on the ground, according to CNA.
Sources assess that the broader Turkish operation is aimed at imposing new faits accomplis in the area.