Police investigations underway for attempted murder in Nicosia and violent clashes in Xylofagou

Cypriot police are actively searching for 35-year-old Syrian national Ahmed Al Zoueid, who is suspected of a double attempted murder committed in the Nicosia district on June 27, 2026. The suspect allegedly stabbed his former wife and former mother-in-law. In a separate incident, authorities are investigating a violent brawl involving 15 to 20 Syrian nationals that occurred on the night of July 8, 2026, in Xylofagou. Weapons such as knives, hammers, and metal bars were reportedly used during the altercation, and one vehicle was crashed into a property. Police have arrested a 27-year-old suspect in connection with the Xylofagou incident, who has been remanded in custody for eight days. Furthermore, officers are searching for a 30-year-old man named Mohamad Almehou, also from Syria, in relation to the same clash. The community leader of Xylofagou, Giorgos Ioulianos, claimed the Xylofagou violence stemmed from financial disputes and illegal sub-leasing of foreign laborers. Authorities are continuing their analysis of CCTV footage to identify other participants.