Drone flight ban imposed near Ercan airport

Authorities in the Turkish-occupied territories of Cyprus announced an indefinite ban on the operation of personal drones in the vicinity of Ercan (Tymbou) airport. The restriction covers several surrounding villages, including Louroujina, Tymbou, Afania, Palaikythro, Assia, Arsos, Mellousia, Mora, and Agyia. Officials cited flight safety concerns as the primary reason for the measure, warning of legal consequences for violators. The move follows the deployment of Hisar-A surface-to-air missiles to the airport on Wednesday. Additionally, six Turkish F-16 fighter jets have been stationed at the airport since Monday, with reports suggesting that Bayraktar military drones are also active in the region. This development occurs amid a broader climate of heightened security in Cyprus, where the Republic of Cyprus also implemented an island-wide drone ban last week. Other nations, including Greece, have likewise moved military assets to the island following a recent drone strike at the British Akrotiri air base.