Turkey is reportedly considering deploying F-16 fighter jets to Northern Cyprus as a security measure, a Turkish defence ministry source said on Saturday, days after the island was hit by a drone attack.

“In light of recent developments, phased planning is being carried out to ensure the security of the TRNC,” the source said, referring to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, a territory recognised only by Ankara. “The deployment of F-16 aircraft to the island is among the options being considered.”

The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions, with Cyprus directly affected by retaliatory attacks linked to US-Israeli strikes on Iran. On Monday, a British base on the island was reportedly struck by an Iranian-made drone.

Cypriot authorities have suggested that the drone was likely fired by the pro-Iranian group Hezbollah from Lebanon, rather than directly from Iran.

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In response to the attack, several European countries have pledged support to Cyprus, sending air defence systems and other military assets. Defence ministers from the EU’s 27 member states had been due to hold talks in Nicosia next week, but following the drone incident, all meetings have been moved online or rescheduled.

Turkey, which is not a member of the European Union, has maintained close ties with Northern Cyprus and continues to monitor the situation.

(AFP)