Turkish F-16s enter Nicosia FIR, buzz edge of buffer zone

Reports on Sunday said two Turkish F-16s had flown over Cyprus in the afternoon ahead of the visit of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday.

Speaking to SigmaLive, a spokesman for the defence ministry confirmed the incident, the channel said.

According to the report, the two F-16s entered the Nicosia Flight Information Region (FIR) at 3.24pm and  remained within the region until 5pm. A second report said 4pm.

“They did not pass over the free areas, but they marginally passed through the buffer zone Dherynia, the spokesman said. “They seem to be launching test flights.”

The spokesman said the relevant representations would be made.

The F-16s are likely to be taking part in the celebrations in the north on Tuesday for the anniversary of the Turkish invasion.