Military Sources: Illegal Crossing Attempts in Çayhan Plain Prevented, Measures Taken

Statements regarding the tension in the Çayhan Plain area of Pile have been coming in one after another. Military sources emphasized that the Çayhan Plain is located within TRNC borders and is actively used by citizens for agricultural and livestock activities.

According to the statement, authorities of the Greek Cypriot Administration attempted to enter the area illegally, citing a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak on the Greek Cypriot side as justification. These attempts were blocked, and it was also reported that, following intelligence indicating another planned illegal crossing attempt on 15 April 2026, necessary measures were taken in advance.

The statement added that, after assurances provided by the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), security measures in the Çayhan Plain area were eased and no clashes or military escalation occurred. Security units will continue to implement precautionary measures, while it was also stressed that an image circulating in some open sources is unrelated to the incident.

It further called on the public not to give credence to disinformation or manipulative reports, and to rely only on official statements issued by competent authorities.