Turkish Cypriot President Ersin Tatar has raised new security concerns, alleging that the Republic of Cyprus (Southern Cyprus) is increasingly militarized with foreign influence. He warned that the presence of Israeli and Western forces in southern ports and airports could pose strategic threats to Northern Cyprus and Türkiye, while rejecting accusations that Northern Cyprus hosts militant groups linked to Hezbollah, Hamas, or Iran.

Tatar Criticizes Southern Cyprus’ Military Build-Up

“Southern Cyprus has armed itself excessively. Now Israel has a say in its ports and airports with some of its citizens. So does France. Britain already had two sovereign bases… Now the Americans are in the south with Israel… Even India sent a ship,” Tatar said during a press briefing.

He highlighted concerns that Israeli-supplied weapons in Southern Cyprus may be perceived by Greek Cypriots as tools against Northern Cyprus and Türkiye. “Southern Cyprus feels stronger now because Israel has brought weapons there — both defensive and offensive,” Tatar explained. “The Greek Cypriots believe they could use Israel’s weapons against Northern Cyprus and Türkiye. I think this is a mistake by Israel.”

Tatar also denied allegations that the north hosts armed groups linked to Hezbollah, Hamas, or Iran, calling such claims “completely false.”

Background: The Divided Island

Cyprus has been split since 1974, when Turkey intervened militarily following a Greek-backed coup. The island remains divided between the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus in the south and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in the north, which is recognized only by Türkiye.

The north controls about 36% of the island’s territory, while the south holds 60%, with the remainder made up of UN buffer zones and British sovereign bases at Akrotiri and Dhekelia. Efforts to reunify the island under a federal model have repeatedly stalled, with Tatar continuing to advocate for a two-state solution.

Foreign Military Involvement in Cyprus

Tatar’s remarks reflect mounting Turkish Cypriot and Turkish concerns about growing defense cooperation between the south and countries such as Israel, France, the U.S., and India:

• Israel: Delivered Barak MX air-defense systems to Cyprus in 2025 and continues joint military training. Israeli property purchases in the south have also fueled speculation about influence.

• France: Holds a defense cooperation pact with Cyprus, allowing French naval access to the Mari base and participation in joint EastMed exercises.

• United States: Increased its presence following the lifting of the U.S. arms embargo in 2022, with training programs, intelligence sharing, and upgraded bases.

• India: Docked the INS Trikand frigate in Limassol in September 2025 for a joint naval drill, part of its growing strategic partnership with Cyprus.

• United Kingdom: Retains two sovereign bases established in 1960, frequently used for Middle East operations.

Southern Cyprus argues these alliances are defensive, citing Turkish troop deployments in the north (estimated at 40,000 soldiers) and repeated airspace violations.