Cyprus files UN complaint over 659 Turkish military violations

The Republic of Cyprus has filed a formal complaint with the United Nations regarding 659 violations by Turkish air and naval forces during June and July 2026. The complaint, submitted by Permanent Representative Maria Michael to the UN Secretary-General, details 626 aerial and 33 maritime incursions.

Aerial violations include breaches of national airspace, the Nicosia Flight Information Region (FIR), and the unauthorized use of closed airports. The report specifies that 203 incursions involved Turkish military drones, such as the Bayraktar TB-2, Anka, Akinci, and Aksungur, while 192 involved armed fighter jets like the F-16. Cyprus also noted unauthorized military exercises conducted via illegal NOTAMs.

Maritime violations involved various Turkish naval vessels, including corvettes, frigates, submarines, and patrol boats, which entered Cypriot territorial waters and illegally utilized the closed ports of Famagusta and Kyrenia.