Limassol police have been on alert since the early hours of Sunday morning in advance of a planned protest later in the day in support of those fighting in Syria.

Police said they were “on alert to deal with any problems that may arise due to the intention of Syrians to hold events in support of the Syrian jihadists”.

The event is due to take place at noon at the Limassol marina in support of the “mujahideen fighting in Idlib and Aleppo” in Syria, organisers said.

Following the developments in Syria, various groups of Syrians in Cyprus have on social media referred to events that will take place in various parts of the city.

“Peaceful assembly is a right of every citizen, which is guaranteed by the Constitution,” a police announcement said.

“The duty of the police, however, is to maintain law and order, safeguard public peace and security and protect all citizens and their property,” it added.

In this context, “it is stressed that the police is in increased readiness and vigilance for the protection of citizens and in case these gatherings cease to be peaceful, members of the police will immediately intervene to restore order.”

Police are also prepared if a rival protest against those demonstrating occurs in another part of town.

In addition to police patrols, the force said officers and members of MMAD are checking people and vehicles while also monitoring information.

Earlier on Sunday rebels in Syria said they had taken over Damascus and President Assad has fled the country.

On Tuesday, Cyprus’ foreign ministry warned the country’s citizens to “avoid all travel” to Syria, saying it is “closely monitoring the deterioration of the situation” as “the security situation in the country may deteriorate further without warning”.