Lefkosa: Trkiye's Communications Director Burhanettin Duran on Thursday condemned an attack carried out by the EOKA terrorist group against citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in the buffer zone in Lefkosa.

According to Anadolu Agency, Duran stated on Turkish social media platform NSosyal that a group supporting the EOKA terrorist organization executed a stone-throwing and explosive attack targeting civilians in the Yigitler Burcu area of the TRNC. He emphasized that this act disregards peace in the region, international law, and humanitarian values.

Duran highlighted the importance of identifying those responsible and bringing them to justice. He also called for concrete measures to prevent similar incidents, crucial for maintaining peace on the island. He affirmed that Trkiye will closely monitor the situation, reiterating Ankara's full support for the security, peace, and rights of the TRNC under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's leadership.

Greek Cypriot groups gathered in southern Lefkosa to celebrate the April 1 founding anniversary of EOKA, launching stones, sticks, and improvised explosives at civilians within TRNC territory, as reported by authorities. The attack occurred around noon, with civilians facing assault from across the buffer zone.

Turkish soldiers deployed nearby responded, and TRNC police secured the area. Following the intervention, the attackers, including some masked individuals, withdrew from the borderline. Subsequently, the TRNC Presidency initiated communications with the UN and the Greek Cypriot Administration, with TRNC President Tufan Erhurman condemning the attack.

EOKA, founded in the mid-1950s by Greek Cypriot-origin Greek officer Georgios Grivas, aimed to end Cyprus's status as a 'British crown colony' and unite the island with Greece through armed operations. Post-British rule and the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus, the group targeted Turkish Cypriots and also attacked Greek Cypriots opposing its ideology.