Turkey has deployed six F-16s and air defence systems to the north in light of recent developments in the Middle East, the country’s defence ministry announced on Monday.

It added that measures would continue to be taken if necessary, depending on developments.

President Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday the F-16s deployed to the north were Turkey’s reaction to Europe’s message that Cyprus’ security was an EU matter.

“No matter what they do, what they bring to Cyprus – and may I remind you there is a significant number of occupation troops and equipment in the occupied areas – Turkey will not cease to be the occupation force in Cyprus,” Christodoulides pointed out.