Cyprus has complained to the United Nations about 520 alleged airspace violations by Turkish forces between March and May in a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the Cyprus Mail reported.
The complaint, submitted by Maria Michael, Cyprus’s permanent representative to the UN, accused Turkish air and naval forces of entering Cypriot airspace, territorial waters and the Nicosia flight information region during the three-month period.
Michael said Cyprus recorded 520 aerial and 23 naval violations, including flights by 103 unmanned aerial vehicles and 196 Turkish military fighter jets, according to the letter.
The aircraft involved included Bayraktar TB2 and Bayraktar Akıncı drones, TAI Anka and Aksungur unmanned aircraft, AS-532 military helicopters and F-16 fighter jets, according to the letter. Cyprus also listed several Turkish naval vessels it said operated in waters claimed by the island.
Michael said the reported incidents violated Cyprus’s sovereignty and international law and obstructed efforts to restart negotiations on the island’s future.
Turkey had not publicly responded to the complaint as of Thursday.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey sent troops to the island after a coup backed by the military government then ruling Greece.
The Republic of Cyprus, a European Union member, is internationally recognized as the authority governing the island. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC) is recognized only by Turkey.
The two sides have long disputed issues including airspace, maritime boundaries, energy exploration rights and military activity around the island, with disagreements straining relations between Cyprus and Turkey and other countries in the region.