The United Nations peacekeeping force in Cyprus (Unficyp) said it has increased patrols and maintained a visible presence in the Pyla area following the observation of unauthorised entry by Turkish Cypriot security personnel into the buffer zone.

In a statement and social media post, the UN peacekeeping force said it is closely monitoring the situation on the Pyla plateau, stressing that any unauthorised entry, presence or activity within the buffer zone constitutes a violation of its mandate.

“Respect for the mission’s mandate is essential to maintaining stability in this sensitive area,” Unficyp said in a press release.

The force added that it is actively engaging with all relevant parties in an effort to restore the status quo ante and prevent actions that could negatively impact calm and stability in the buffer zone.

Unficyp reiterated that maintaining stability and calm across the buffer zone remains its highest priority.