Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Nicosia, Cyprus (August 18, 2023)

"When TC security forces moved into the Buffer Zone, assaulting UN military staff, damaging vehicles, and physically removing equipment and UN personnel from the roadblock."

U.S. Embassy in Cyprus: "Cyprus: Due to the escalation of events in the Pyla area, U.S. citizens are encouraged to reconsider plans to travel north, specifically to stay away from the Pyla area until the de-escalation of the situation."

Event: On August 17, Turkish Cypriots (TC) announced plans to begin paving the dirt road from the TC village of Arsos into the UN Buffer Zone to the bi-communal village of Pyla. The construction project was not authorized by the UN, and its commencement constituted a major encroachment on the Buffer Zone.

Situation Overview & Actions To Take: