Cypriot Defense Minister Vassilis Palmas confirmed on Wednesday that American military transport aircraft are currently stationed in Cyprus, emphasizing their presence is strictly for potential civilian evacuation purposes and not for offensive military operations. The minister sought to reassure the public that Cyprus's role remains humanitarian amidst a volatile regional climate, underscoring the island's long-standing position as a safe transit point.
Speaking on state broadcaster CyBC, as reported by the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) and Kathimerini, Palmas elaborated that the U.S. aircraft located at the Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos are not fighter jets. Instead, they are transport planes specifically designed to move personnel, which could include U.S. military staff or, more critically, civilians needing to be moved from areas of conflict should the situation demand it.
"These are not combat aircraft," Palmas clarified, stressing the nature of their deployment. "They are part of routine cooperation and preparedness for potential evacuations." While officials declined to specify the exact number of U.S. aircraft that have landed, they confirmed that a small contingent of these transport planes is currently stationed at both the Paphos airbase and Larnaca International Airport. This deployment is described as a precautionary measure in light of the evolving security situation in the broader Eastern Mediterranean.
Cyprus has historically served as a crucial logistical hub and haven during regional crises, leveraging its strategic geographic location. Defense Ministry spokesperson Christos Pieris reiterated this commitment, telling CNA that Cyprus is once again ready to facilitate evacuation operations. This would be managed through its established national humanitarian plan, codenamed "Estia," which has been successfully activated in past emergencies, including those in Sudan and Lebanon.
"This is not about military operations," Pieris stated firmly. "It's primarily for humanitarian purposes, supporting civilians fleeing conflict zones." This distinction is seen as vital for maintaining Cyprus's neutral yet supportive stance in the region, allowing it to offer aid without becoming embroiled in conflicts effectively.
Minister Palmas further contextualized the American presence by noting that Cyprus regularly hosts aircraft and naval forces from allied or friendly nations as part of ongoing international cooperation and security partnerships. He also mentioned that international naval vessels are currently monitoring the wider region from nearby waters, contributing to overall maritime security and situational awareness.
Cypriot authorities confirmed they have been closely observing the regional security situation for the past six days. In response, all necessary emergency measures have reportedly been taken to ensure public safety and the island's readiness to handle any humanitarian contingencies that may arise from instability in neighboring countries. The focus remains on preparedness and the capacity to act swiftly in a support role.
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