Turkish forces, as observed around 5:00 pm yesterday, were seen working outside an abandoned structure known as ‘Maroullous’ House’, located to the left of the Agios Dometios checkpoint in Nicosia and to the right of the old road leading to the Gregoriou school.
It is reported that a construction, consisting of tall posts and electronic equipment, possibly a camera, was installed at this location.
Information suggests that individuals wearing civilian attire were involved in this action.
The National Guard and Defence Minister Michalis Georgallas were informed from the outset, and representations were immediately made through the United Nations on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus.
Peacekeepers were dispatched to the area in an effort to assess the situation.
Cyprus Police were also put on alert, and officers were instructed to patrol the area. Their presence was notably heightened on Syracouson and Archimedous streets.
Reports indicated the presence of tens of Turkish soldiers in the region, both yesterday and in previous days.
Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis characterised the latest action by Turkish occupation forces as a “serious and ongoing violation of the buffer zone.”
Responding to questions regarding the incident in the buffer zone, Mr. Letymbiotis confirmed that a group of Turkish soldiers had entered the buffer zone in the Agios Dometios area on Monday afternoon.
A small unit among them installed a rotating camera and antenna on an uninhabited property known as ‘Maroullous’ House’.
After completing the installation, the Turkish soldiers withdrew from the buffer zone, he said.
UNFICYP spokesperson Alim Siddik, when asked about the incident and the current situation, told CNA that the situation is currently calm, and UN peacekeeping forces are monitoring the situation following security personnel reports near the buffer zone. “We are cooperating with the Turkish Cypriot side to prevent tensions and ensure the maintenance of the status quo,” he added.
Residents in the area expressed their deep concerns about the situation and the movements of Turkish forces.
According to their accounts, 30 to 40 Turkish soldiers gathered in the buffer zone yesterday afternoon, chanting slogans.
Agios Dometios residents claim that the presence of Turkish soldiers in the buffer zone has been ongoing for the past 2-3 months and expressed fear about the changing situation created by these actions.
