Türkiye condemns EOKA attack on Turkish Cypriots, blames Greek Cypriot administration

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz on Thursday condemned an attack targeting citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) by members of the EOKA terrorist organization. "I condemn in the strongest terms the attack carried out yesterday in the Buffer Zone in Lefkosa by remnants of the terrorist organization EOKA, using stones and explosive materials against citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," Yilmaz wrote on NSosyal.

Responsibility

He said responsibility for Wednesday's attacks "lies with the Greek Cypriot Administration, which for decades has glorified and heroized murderers and terrorists, instilled in younger generations the perception that Turkish Cypriots are enemies and targets." Yilmaz added that Türkiye will continue to stand by the TRNC against such heinous attacks.

Attack details

The incident occurred on the Greek Cypriot-controlled side of Lefkosa, where groups had gathered to mark the anniversary of the founding of EOKA terrorist organization on Wednesday. Around noon, attackers used stones, sticks, and improvised explosives against civilians on the TRNC side of the city.

EOKA background

EOKA was founded in the mid-1950s by Greek Cypriot-origin Greek officer Georgios Grivas, aiming to end Cyprus's status as a "British crown colony" and unite the island with Greece through armed operations. Following the end of British rule and the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus, the group carried out attacks targeting Turkish Cypriots and also killed Greek Cypriots who opposed its ideology.

Cyprus context

The attack comes amid ongoing tensions on the divided island, where the TRNC declared independence in 1983 but is recognized only by Türkiye. The buffer zone, patrolled by UN peacekeepers, separates the Turkish Cypriot north from the Greek Cypriot south.