Filenews 11 February 2026
The US Embassy confirmed a meeting in the occupied territories on the security of American citizens, underlining that the protection and safety of the citizens of the United States is a "top priority". In a statement, the Embassy states that a meeting was held with Turkish Cypriots responsible for air transport issues, pointing out that, despite the current travel advisory, American citizens sometimes enter Cyprus through the occupied territories.
As the US Embassy clarified, in relation to Turkish Cypriot publications referring to an inspection of the illegal airport of Tymbou by US officials, "the United States has made it clear that the safety and security of our American citizens is our highest priority and in this regard, the US Embassy met with Turkish Cypriots who are conducting air operations in the area administered by the Turkish Cypriots" as stated in the occupied territories.
He notes that the visit took place "for precautionary reasons, as US citizens, despite our travel advisory for Cyprus, sometimes arrive in the area administered by the Turkish Cypriots".
The Embassy refers to the US travel advisory which urges US citizens to use only Larnaca and Paphos airports or the ports of Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos for entry and exit into Cyprus, noting that the Republic of Cyprus does not consider entry through Tymbou airport or through a port "to the north" as legal entry or departure from Cyprus.
According to reports in the occupied territories, the "Minister of Transport", Erhan Arikli, in a statement on social media, stated that the visit took place as part of periodic checks on the technical suitability of the illegal airport installation.
KYPE
