Cyprus marks 52nd anniversary of the second phase of the Turkish invasion

August 14, 2026, marks the 52nd anniversary of the second phase of the Turkish military invasion of Cyprus, known as 'Attila 2'. Following the collapse of peace negotiations in Geneva, Turkish forces launched a major offensive, seizing Famagusta, the Karpasia Peninsula, and parts of the Morphou region. This operation resulted in the continued occupation of approximately 37% of the island's territory and the permanent displacement of thousands of Greek Cypriots.

Political leaders across Cyprus marked the day with commemorations, emphasizing the need for reunification and condemning the ongoing division of the country. Many tributes honored the memory of those killed, missing, and displaced during the 1974 conflict. The Turkish Ministry of National Defense sparked controversy by commemorating the event on social media as a 'Happy Peace Operation' and referencing the code phrase 'Ayse should go on vacation,' which originally signaled the start of the invasion.

While the events remain a deep national trauma, political parties have reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a viable solution for the Cyprus problem. The unresolved status of the occupied areas and the memory of the events of 1974 continue to shape the political discourse on the island today.