Turkish media have increasingly raised concerns about a perceived expansion of U.S. military activities in Cyprus. Pro-government outlets have suggested that the United States is “replacing” British Bases on the island and furthering a strategy to “encircle” Turkey through its bases in Alexandroupolis, Larissa, Crete, and Cyprus. These reports have gained traction amid growing U.S.-Cypriot relations, highlighted by joint military exercises, U.S. warship visits to Cypriot ports, and President Nicos Christodoulides’ visit to Washington. The issue has drawn reactions from the Turkish Ministry of Defense, coinciding with the anniversary of the self-declared “TRNC” on November 15.
Clarifying the Situation
Despite the claims circulating in Turkish media, informed sources confirm that there are no plans for a permanent U.S. military base in Cyprus. Cypriot Defense Minister Vassilis Palmas has explicitly stated that the U.S. military presence on the island is linked to humanitarian missions and strengthening bilateral relations, not offensive operations.
This presence has been critical for operations such as RESEVAC (rescue and evacuation missions) in regions of conflict. Notably, Cyprus has served as a key hub for evacuations during crises in Lebanon, including the 2006 war and the Beirut port explosion in 2020. Its geographic proximity to volatile regions makes it an essential partner in such missions, further demonstrating the humanitarian focus of these activities.
Historical and Political Context
The debate over foreign military presence in Cyprus is not new and continues to feature prominently in Turkish media and public discourse. Historically, U.S. use of the British Bases during the Cold War and conflicts in the Middle East has fueled such discussions. Facilities like the RAF Cape Air Base and the Troodos monitoring station remain integral to Western security networks and have become focal points in disinformation campaigns, particularly amidst the Israel-Hamas war and tensions involving Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Turkish concerns, however, appear to center on the broader implications of U.S.-Cypriot cooperation in a region where Ankara seeks to maintain its influence.
Source: Knews.kathimerini.com.cy