Cyprus reports 659 violations by Turkish forces to the United Nations

The Republic of Cyprus has formally reported 659 violations of its sovereignty by Turkish air and naval forces during June and July 2026. In a letter dated September 29, 2026, addressed to the UN Secretary-General, Cyprus' Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Maria Michail, detailed these incidents. The document, which was distributed as an official UN General Assembly and Security Council record on October 2, 2026, categorizes the actions as infringements of national airspace, territorial waters, and international air traffic regulations within the Nicosia Flight Information Region (FIR), alongside the illegal use of closed ports and airports.

According to the data provided, the violations include 626 air-related incidents and 33 naval breaches. Specifically, 203 of the air violations were attributed to military unmanned aerial vehicles, while 192 involved armed fighter aircraft. Further reports indicate that unauthorized military exercises were conducted by Turkey within the Republic's airspace, supported by the illegal issuance of a notice to airmen. The documentation, supported by four annexes, provides a comprehensive account of these military activities, including the movement of Turkish warships and various aircraft types, such as F-16 fighters and military helicopters.