The Turkish army in occupied Cyprus is reportedly set to double in size, reaching as many as 100,000 troops, according to Turkish media reports.
For the first time, the commander of the Turkish forces in the illegally occupied north has been promoted to lieutenant general- a move seen as a signal of further strengthening the military presence.
According to Turkish outlet TR-HABER, the Turkish army in occupied Cyprus is “transforming into a regional power.” What was once a limited force of artillery units, air defence units and infantry battalions is now evolving into a deterrent structure comprising multiple divisions, along with ground, air, naval, logistical, electronic and other forces.
The build-up comes amid growing tensions. In recent days, the occupation regime has voiced strong opposition to efforts by the Republic of Cyprus and Israel to install an air defence system in the region.
The speaker of the pseudo-parliament Ziya Öztürkler, even described the planned air defence system as a “clear threat” to the occupied areas.
Asked to respond, Defence Ministry spokesman Christos Pieris stated that the ministry would not comment on issues of armaments.
However, Turkish media suggest Ankara’s unease is not only about Israeli cooperation, but also about the increasing military presence of the United States, Germany and the United Kingdom in the Republic of Cyprus due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
One provocative claim made in the Turkish press is that President Nikos Christodoulides’ government has “opened Cypriot soil” to the US and Israel without the consent of the so-called guarantor state, Turkey.
Also read: Cyprus urges EU action to free five citizens held in occupied area
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