The defence ministry on Friday night sought to assuage the public over increased military presence around Cyprus, saying it was for humanitarian purposes, amid backlash and a protest after a US assault ship docked in Limassol.

US ambassador to Cyprus Julie Fisher entered the fore too, posting on X that the amphibious assault ship of the US Navy USS Wasp which docked in Limassol on Wednesday is part of a “long-planned” partnership activity between both countries.

Her comments came as a protest unfolded in Limassol and opposition Akel slammed the government for consenting to the ship’s presence arguing it was throwing Cyprus in the midst of already escalating tensions.

In its own statement, the defence ministry said the increased activity from “forces of friendly countries” that has been observed recently in Cyprus concerns the country’s humanitarian role exclusively.

This is in case Cyprus has to implement its ‘Estia’ plan and the possible evacuation of civilian nationals of third countries, from high-risk zones, the ministry added.

In a post on X, Fisher said “the USS Wasp is visiting Cyprus in support of long planned US-Cyprus activities. The visit comes at a time when the US continues all efforts along with key partners to de-escalate regional tensions and to be prepared to support civilians in crisis.”

Earlier this week, the government said Cyprus will be ready to deal with an influx of migrants should the situation in the Middle East worsen, as the threat of an all-out war in the region continues to loom.

The ship arrived in Limassol for a regularly scheduled port visit on August 8, according to a US Fleet Forces Command statement.

Limassol marks the second liberty port visit for Wasp and her crew since the ship began deployment June 1, it specified.

Wasp has been underway conducting operations in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean since early April as the flagship of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group, according to the US Fleet Forces.

“The Wasp, along with USS New York and USS Oak Hill, the two other ships that make up the ARG, is on a scheduled deployment to the NAVEUR-NAVAF area of operations, supporting US, Allied and partner interests in the region, including in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, to continue promoting regional stability and deterring aggression.”

It specified the Republic of Cyprus is a frequent destination for US Navy ships operating in the Mediterranean.

“In August 2023, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61) visited Limassol while deployed as part of the Gerald. R. Ford Carrier Strike Group. In November of the same year, the U.S. 6th Fleet Blue Ridge-class command-and-control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) arrived in Larnaca, where the combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners enjoyed liberty while forward deployed from Gaeta, Italy.”

While in port, the ship and the 24th MEU (SOC) team will conduct a routine liberty port as well as participate in a community relations event in coordination with the Agios Stefanos Foundation, it specified.

Cyprus and the US announced last June the launch of a strategic dialogue to boost cooperation, following a meeting between Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington.