Cyprus holds multinational naval exercise amid tensions with Turkey

Nicosia: – In view of the expansionist activities of Turkey in the Mediterranean Sea region, Greece and Cyprus have expedited moves to form a front against Turkey. ‘Nemesis 2021’, a multinational exercise, was organised in the Mediterranean Sea region as a part of these efforts. The United States, Israel, Greece, France, the United Kingdom, Egypt and Cyprus participated in this exercise. Besides, Cyprus informed that leading oil companies also participated in the drill.

Last week, Nemesis 2021 was held in the Cypriot marine region. Soldiers and Aeronautical Units from eight countries participated in the exercises. Cyprus informed that warships, oil tankers, helicopters, drones, surveillance aircraft, and special operations teams from various countries participated in the exercises.

Conflict in the marine region, attacks on the oil projects, actions against suspicious ships and rescue missions were a part of the exercises. Units from the oil companies ExxonMobil, Total, Eni and Noble were also present for the exercises. Their inclusion is essential as all four companies are interested in oil projects in the Mediterranean Sea region. It is being said that the exercise organised in the Cypriot marine regions was in retaliation to the hegemonic Turkish activities in the Mediterranean Sea region. A few days ago, the Foreign Minister of Cyprus warned that Turkish President Recep Erdogan wanted to establish a new Ottoman empire, extending from the Middle East up to the eastern Mediterranean region.

Last year, Turkey had claimed rights over islands in the Cypriot and Greek marine regions and had sent research ships and warships to these regions. After that, Turkish President Recep Erdogan visited the Turkish region of Cyprus. During the visit, he announced restarting the Ghost Town Varosha, a disputed part of Cyprus. It is said that the Turkish agencies have started moving in that direction.

Against this background, Cyprus has started efforts to exert pressure on Turkey through the international community. The new multinational exercises are of the same efforts.