US President Joe Biden shakes hands during a meeting with President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, left, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, October 30. [AP]
Reports in Turkish pro-government media are pushing the narrative that the US is supplanting British bases in Cyprus with its own, stirring a scenario where the American military presence encircles Turkey with bases in northern Greece, Crete and Cyprus.
This narrative follows enhanced US-Cyprus relations, exemplified by the recent talks at the White House between US President Joe Biden and his Cypriot counterpart Nikos Christodoulides.
The military cooperation between the two nations has become more visible, with joint training exercises and US naval ships docking in Cypriot ports.
The increasing visibility of US military presence in the Eastern Mediterranean is viewed by some as a stabilizing force, while others, particularly in Turkey, perceive it as a potential threat.
The Turkish Defense Ministry’s reactions coincide with the anniversary of the unilateral declaration of the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” on November 15, 1983 in Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus.
However, Cypriot officials deny the existence of any permanent US military base on the island.
Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas clarified in recent interviews that the US military presence is temporary and centered on humanitarian missions rather than aggressive posturing.
Following the October 7 events last year, the US increased its cooperation with Cyprus, particularly in emergency evacuation operations (RESEVAC) from conflict zones.
Cyprus played a crucial role during the Sudan crisis and was pivotal for evacuations from Lebanon in 2006 and 2020.
The cooperation with the US aims to bolster the island’s capacity to respond to emergencies, enhance maritime security, and contribute to peacekeeping efforts.
Historically, the British RAF base at Akrotiri and Troodos facilities have been used by the US for operations since the Cold War era. The presence of these installations ties into Western security architecture, like the Five Eyes alliance.