Cyprus, a natural aircraft carrier, close to the fire of crisis. The island, which has always been part of the history of the Eastern Mediterranean, is a formidable outpost for NATO operations. Dozens of cargo planes transported materials needed for emergency operations and elite units. The American special forces, the British Marines and SAS (a saber squadron with helicopters), the German commandos KSK, KSM, GSG9, the Canadians, the Swedes and the undeclared. The French have set up a cell in Paphos, possibly tasked with monitoring communications. The military can be called upon for various types of interventions: assisting in a massive evacuation of civilians, missions to ensure the security of diplomatic offices, supporting intelligence services. There is always the fear of terrorist attacks, hostage-taking and unforeseeable events in an unstable region. The proximity to the risk areas is relevant; it enables quick response times and reduces logistical problems.
Transport and reconnaissance aircraft take off daily from the Cypriot and British airstrips in Akrotiri. Drones, long-range patrol boats and electronic warfare vehicles are heading to the Gaza Strip or keeping watch in international space off the Lebanese-Syrian coast.
Their activities integrate with what has existed for decades and with the newcomers. There are English listening stations in the Toodros Mountains and in the Dekhelia base in the eastern part of the island, hubs that interact with the American NSA. For experts, the scope of the “antennas” is very profound and also affects the presence of the Russians in Syria, who themselves have systems at their disposal. In recent days, numerous NATO ships have taken up positions, reinforced by the presence of two aircraft carriers, the Ford and the Eisenhower, protagonists of an exercise on Friday in which the Italian frigates Fasan and Margottini took part. A task force of around forty units that must ensure a principle of deterrence against Iran and Hezbollah and anyone who wants to exploit the moment of insecurity.
According to some interpretations, Tehran has heeded the warning, but that has not stopped it from letting friendly militias do their thing with provocations and attacks. Also active in Larnaca is the Zenon Center, a European office that brings together representatives from 22 Western countries and has to deal with the displacement of people from critical areas.
As was the case during the long Lebanese civil war, the island’s airports are becoming the first port of call for refugees. In this context, in maritime circles, the request of a customer who was ready to pay immediately and well for a ship – of any type, including a merchant ship – capable of carrying a thousand people from Latakia (Syria) to Cyprus to transport, some things arouse curiosity. The rent is for a period of one month. Is this really the route? And who are the passengers? Is the information correct or is it misleading? The relevance of the humanitarian aspect is confirmed by diplomatic indiscretions regarding the possible use of the island as a base for humanitarian aid to Gaza: the containers would be inspected by observers before being sent on board the cargo. A solution to overcome Jerusalem’s distrust.
And we remember that both Italy and France have made available two ships for amphibious operations – San Giorgio and Tonnerre – which can play a rescue role if necessary. Finally, an aspect related to relations between Israel and Nicosia. Relations have become increasingly close in many areas, from tourism to the commercial sector. However, these exchanges were supplemented by military cooperation with joint training programs involving the Air Force and the Army. Israeli units “trained” on the heights of the island, Cypriot platoons used the fake Arab village near Gaza to experiment with “urban” combat.