Türkiye challenges US military expansion in South Cyprus Ankara’s response to US militarization

The United States is significantly expanding its military presence in South Cyprus, a move that appears to be aimed at intensifying tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. Recently, Washington and the Greek-administered region of South Cyprus have formalized a new defence cooperation roadmap, a development that has provoked a strong reaction from Ankara. In response to the agreement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a stern condemnation, warning that the deepening military collaboration between the US and Nicosia could destabilize the region.
 
“The steps taken by the US authorities against the security of the Turkish Cypriot side, including the announcement of the start of a strategic dialogue with the Greek administration last June, undermine the US neutral position towards the island of Cyprus and make it difficult to find a just, lasting and sustainable solution to the Cyprus issue. In this regard, we believe that policies that could be detrimental to regional stability should be reconsidered. Türkiye, as a guarantor state, will continue to ensure the security and prosperity of Turkish Cypriots under any circumstances,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said. 

The ministry argues that the US’ increased defence cooperation with the Greek Cypriot administration of Southern Cyprus (GCASC) could destabilize the region and hinder progress toward resolving the Cyprus issue.

Türkiye's concerns regarding US actions in South Cyprus are well-grounded. Historically, the US has frequently created or exacerbated conflicts around the globe to enhance its influence and justify its military presence. In this context, it is essential to explore the underlying reasons motivating Washington's decision to increase its military footprint in South Cyprus.

Synopsis: Since the 1950s, Cyprus has been plagued by tension, discord, and violence, primarily driven by the ethnic divisions between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, and the competing interests of three NATO allies—Greece, Türkiye, and Britain.

A critical turning point occurred in 1974, when the Greek-backed “black colonels” junta orchestrated a coup d'état in Cyprus. This coup was primarily executed by the Greek Cypriot National Guard, whose forces were significantly bolstered by officers from Greece. 
The Turkish authorities perceived the coup as a precursor to the potential unification of Cyprus with Greece, which they feared could lead to the ethnic cleansing of Turkish Cypriots. This concern was heightened by the fact that the coup followed a series of violent ethnic riots, marking the third major outbreak of such violence since 1960. In response, the Turkish military intervened and, during the ensuing conflict, took control of approximately 35 per cent of the island.

Since then, Cyprus has remained effectively divided into two distinct and unequal regions: the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot. The northern part, which is home to the Turkish Cypriots, constitutes about one-third of the island, while the southern part, predominantly inhabited by Greek Cypriots, makes up two-thirds of the island. In 1983, the Turkish Cypriots declared the establishment of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

Ankara has its own arguments

Ankara's discontent with Washington’s actions in the Eastern Mediterranean has deep roots, reflecting longstanding tensions and recent developments. For instance, in September 2022, the US lifted a decades-old arms embargo on South Cyprus, a move initially imposed in 1987. This decision was met with swift backlash from Türkiye. In response, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced plans to bolster Türkiye’s military presence in Northern Cyprus in an October 2022 interview with CNN Turk. Erdogan justified this decision by highlighting Türkiye's commitment to safeguarding Turkish Cypriots and expressing concern that the lifting of the embargo could spark an arms race in the region. 

The lifting of the embargo, combined with other geopolitical developments, intensified Ankara’s concerns. The White House's decision was viewed in Türkiye as a form of unilateral support for Greece, especially as tensions between Türkiye and Greece over the Aegean Sea continued to escalate. Additionally, amid the US refusal to sell F-35 fighter jets to Türkiye, Greece was able to acquire these aircraft. The US also approved substantial military aid to Athens, including $60 million for arms purchases in 2022 and 2023.

In February 2024, reports from the Greek newspaper Kathimerini and other media outlets indicated that the Biden administration had offered Greece an extensive list of military equipment. This included three 87-foot Protector-class patrol boats, two Lockheed Martin C-130H aircraft, ten Allison T56 turboprop engines for Lockheed P-3 patrol aircraft, sixty M-2 Bradley fighting vehicles, and a batch of army trucks. 

Furthermore, this July, reports surfaced indicating that US Army Chinook helicopters would be stationed at a base in South Cyprus. This move has been interpreted as unequivocal support from the US for Greek ambitions in the region. The strategic objective appears to be to counter Türkiye, which, despite being a NATO member, has pursued an independent foreign policy that often diverges from Washington’s and Brussels’ positions. The recent agreement with South Cyprus further underscores Washington's militaristic approach in the Eastern Mediterranean. 

Türkiye, on the other hand, advocates for the demilitarization of the islands by Greece, aligning this demand with international legal norms. However, it is clear that Türkiye's stance is at odds with US interests in the region.

In response to these geopolitical tensions, Türkiye is actively seeking to diversify its global alliances. Notably, Ankara has formally applied to join BRICS, a bloc of nations representing alternative power centers to Western hegemony. 

Faced with American pressure tactics, including military support for South Cyprus, the Turkish government remains vigilant and responsive to shifting geopolitical dynamics. Türkiye continues to adapt its strategies to maintain its influence and secure its interests amidst these evolving challenges.