Two French Rafale fighter jets recently flew over the sky of Cyprus, passing over the occupied territories as well. This was enough for the self-proclaimed “regional power” to mobilize its journalists and diplomats into a state of panic, complaining about the wonderful airshow provided by the French pilots.
The Turkish government and its media did not waste time expressing their outrage. However, it is worth noting that these were French Rafales, not even Greek ones, which says a lot about the possible reactions when Greek “wings” cover Cyprus again. However, the complaint does not come about the act of France but about the non-existence of the Turkish Air Force, which seemed to be in a deep sleep as it did not even scramble an F-16 to recognize the French fighters, let alone intercept them.
As the French were flying over the island, Turkish diplomats were preparing diplomatic complaints against France, talking about a violation of their airspace. Surprisingly, their French counterparts seemed unmoved as the official documents show no other airspace except that of the Republic of Cyprus, to which they were invited.
The melodramatic response of the Turks and its media has led to ridicule on social media. Indicatively, a Turkish user on X wrote angrily: “Did we not realize what happened? Where were we at that time?”
The message from these French RAFALE was clear: European nations are committed to supporting Cyprus and ensuring stability in the Mediterranean. Whether Turkey likes it or not, these actions reflect a broader consensus that it’s time for Ankara to stop pretending its unilateral declarations have a place and to withdraw from the island immediately.
KIBRIS’TA FRANSA TAHRİKİ!..
— Dr. Sefa Karahasan (@sefakarahasan) December 21, 2024
Doğu Akdeniz’de bulunan savaş gemisinden kalkan iki Fransız savaş uçağı KKTC hava sahasını ihlal etti.
Savaş uçakları Lefke İlçesi sınırlarında alcak uçuş yaptı.
Türkiye Dışişleri Bakanlığı, ihlal nedeniyle Fransa’ya nota verdi. pic.twitter.com/ruYXmgUgUn
