On Tuesday, July 21, and Thursday, July 23, 2026, authorities in Larnaca, Cyprus, conducted a series of sweep operations to remove illegal caravans and unauthorized structures from public beaches. The actions followed public complaints and media reports concerning the illegal occupation of coastal areas near the Larnaca Nautical Club and the former oil refineries, which restricted public access and raised hygiene and sanitation concerns.

The intervention was initiated after Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou ordered the Larnaca District Administration to issue ultimatums to the occupants. Following the initial notice last Saturday, approximately 12 out of 18 caravan owners voluntarily moved their property. On Tuesday, specialized crews removed the remaining six caravans using heavy equipment, while large boulders were placed at beach entrances to prevent further vehicular access. By Thursday, authorities expanded the operation to the site of the "Land of Tomorrow" project, where they demolished nine wooden shacks, including one structure containing asbestos, which required professional removal under strict safety protocols.

Illegal occupants face administrative fines, which must be settled before their seized vehicles are reclaimed. The District Administration and Larnaca Municipality stated that these efforts are part of a broader push to restore legal public access to protected coastal zones, with officials confirming that no further camping is permitted in these sensitive environmental areas.