A man accidentally drove into the north near Strovilia, according to British Bases Police in Dhekelia. The 32-year-old Greek Cypriot from Nicosia district is believed to have crossed into the occupied north at around 4am on Thursday, 21 August, while driving in the area near Strovilia.
In his statement to Dhekelia police, the man said he had been travelling along the Larnaca–Famagusta road when he turned onto a dirt path and briefly exited his car for a short stop. At one point, he noticed headlights shining directly at him and realised he had crossed into the north. Fearing the lights were from a Turkish military post, he panicked and fled on foot toward the territory of the British Bases, leaving his car behind.
He later told police that Turkish soldiers surrounded his vehicle. The Dhekelia Police are now investigating the incident, and the Republic of Cyprus authorities have been notified. Efforts are under way, through the United Nations, to arrange the vehicle’s return to its owner.
Also read: Turkish army in occupied Cyprus doubles to 100,000
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