Timeline of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus
Encyclopedia
- 15 July 1974 – The Cypriot National GuardCypriot National GuardThe Cypriot National Guard , also known as the "Greek Cypriot National Guard" or simply as "National Guard", is the combined arms military force of the Republic of Cyprus...
and EOKA BEOKA BEOKA-B was a Greek Cypriot paramilitary organisation formed in 1971. It followed a right-wing nationalistic ideology and had the ultimate goal of achieving the enosis of Cyprus with Greece...
led by the Greek Junta launch a coup to overthrow the democratically-elected President, Archbishop MakariosMakariosMakarios is a Greek given name. The old-Greek word Μακάριος makarios is a prolonged form of the poetical μάκαρ makar ; supremely blessed; by extension fortunate, well off: - blessed, happy....
III.
- 19 July 1974 - Whilst addressing the UN Security Council, Archbishop MakariosMakariosMakarios is a Greek given name. The old-Greek word Μακάριος makarios is a prolonged form of the poetical μάκαρ makar ; supremely blessed; by extension fortunate, well off: - blessed, happy....
III accused Greece of having invaded Cyprus: “The coup of the Greek junta is an invasion, and from its consequences the whole people of Cyprus suffers, both Greeks and Turks.”
- 20 July 1974 – TurkeyTurkeyTurkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
invades the island of Cyprus. Two Cyprus Navy motor torpedo boats, the T1 and the T3, are sent out from KyreniaKyreniaKyrenia is a town on the northern coast of Cyprus, noted for its historic harbour and castle. Internationally recognised as part of the Republic of Cyprus, Kyrenia has been under Turkish control since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974...
to engage the Turkish naval flotilla approaching the shore. Both ships are sunk by combined Turkish air and naval attack. (Drousiotis, 2005)
- 20 July 1974 – Greek Cypriot forces launch an organised counter-attack against the Turkish beachhead at KyreniaKyreniaKyrenia is a town on the northern coast of Cyprus, noted for its historic harbour and castle. Internationally recognised as part of the Republic of Cyprus, Kyrenia has been under Turkish control since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974...
, supported by T-34T-34The T-34 was a Soviet medium tank produced from 1940 to 1958. Although its armour and armament were surpassed by later tanks of the era, it has been often credited as the most effective, efficient and influential design of World War II...
tanks, but this ultimately fails to dislodge the Turkish landing force. Four Greek-Cypriot T-34 tanks and two armoured vehicles are destroyed by Turkish infantry and air attacks (Drousiotis,2005)
- 20 July 1974 – The Cypriot National GuardCypriot National GuardThe Cypriot National Guard , also known as the "Greek Cypriot National Guard" or simply as "National Guard", is the combined arms military force of the Republic of Cyprus...
, supported by all available T-34 tanks, as well as Greek ELDYK forces, launch a massive attack against the Turkish Cypriot enclave at KioneliKioneliKioneli is a town in Northern Cyprus, near the capital city Nicosia. Its population is estimated at around 20,000 people, with a rate of growth of approximately 10% per year.The Turkish Cypriot football club Gönyeli Spor Kulübü is based in Kioneli...
, attempting to prevent Turkish forces from forming a bridgehead to Nicosia. This attack fails and two Greek-Cypriot T-34 tanks are destroyed.
- 20 July 1974 – Cypriot National GuardCypriot National GuardThe Cypriot National Guard , also known as the "Greek Cypriot National Guard" or simply as "National Guard", is the combined arms military force of the Republic of Cyprus...
commando and infantry forces launch a coordinated attack against the Turkish enclave of Agyrta-Nicosia, encircling the northern flanks in an effort to isolate it. Turkish parachutists are dropped in and around the enclave in order to reinforce it, leading to heavy infantry losses at Mia Milia, where they are accidentally dropped on Greek Cypriot defensive lines.
- 20 July 1974 - The United Nations Security Council passes Resolution 353United Nations Security Council Resolution 353United Nations Security Council Resolution 353, adopted unanimously on July 20, 1974, in response to the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the Council demanded the immediate withdrawal of all foreign military personnel present in the Republic of Cyprus in contravention of paragraph 1 of the United...
, demanding immediate withdrawal of Turkish military personnel and urges negotiations between GreeceGreeceGreece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
, Turkey and United KingdomUnited KingdomThe United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
to take place.
- 21 July 1974 – The Turkish destroyer D-354 Kocatepe is subjected to friendly fire from Turkish warplanes and sunk after being mistaken for a Greek ship. Two other destroyers are also damaged in the attack.
- 21 July 1974 - Cypriot National GuardCypriot National GuardThe Cypriot National Guard , also known as the "Greek Cypriot National Guard" or simply as "National Guard", is the combined arms military force of the Republic of Cyprus...
forces deploy around KyreniaKyreniaKyrenia is a town on the northern coast of Cyprus, noted for its historic harbour and castle. Internationally recognised as part of the Republic of Cyprus, Kyrenia has been under Turkish control since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974...
and begin to form defensive lines on the Kyrenia-Karavas road, and also at Trimithi.
- 21 July 1974 - Heavy fighting takes place in the Pentedaktylos mountains between Greek Cypriot mountain commando forces and Turkish forces. The Greek Cypriots take Aspri Moutti, while the Turks take control of Ag. Ilariona, both sides using them as support positions.
- 21 July 1974 - Greek Cypriot mountain commandos are ordered to begin leaving the Pentedaktylos mountains in order to secure other objectives. The Cypriot National GuardCypriot National GuardThe Cypriot National Guard , also known as the "Greek Cypriot National Guard" or simply as "National Guard", is the combined arms military force of the Republic of Cyprus...
captures the village of PileriPileriPileri is a small village in Kyrenia District located 4 km east of Agios Ermolaos and 4 km west of Kiomourtzou....
.
- 21 July 1974 - An attempt is made to assassinate the Greek Cypriot Naval Commander as he travels to Karavas on the Mirtou-Asomatou road. The attempt, mounted by Turkish paratroopers, fails.
- 22 July 1974 – Turkish landing ships reach the beachhead and begin unloading M47 and M48 main battle tanks as well as supporting equipment. The Greek Cypriot forces in the area are unable to contain the new landing force and retreat.
- 22 July 1974 – An attempt by Turkish landing craft to land at Kyrenia harbour fails. Cypriot National GuardCypriot National GuardThe Cypriot National Guard , also known as the "Greek Cypriot National Guard" or simply as "National Guard", is the combined arms military force of the Republic of Cyprus...
forces retreat towards KyreniaKyreniaKyrenia is a town on the northern coast of Cyprus, noted for its historic harbour and castle. Internationally recognised as part of the Republic of Cyprus, Kyrenia has been under Turkish control since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974...
, under pressure from Turkish armoured forces.
- 22 July 1974 – The last defences at KyreniaKyreniaKyrenia is a town on the northern coast of Cyprus, noted for its historic harbour and castle. Internationally recognised as part of the Republic of Cyprus, Kyrenia has been under Turkish control since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974...
collapse. Greek Cypriot forces trapped in the castle manage to escape out of the city. (Drousiotis, 2005)
- 22 July 1974 – A flight of Greek Nortalas planes, bringing reinforcements form Greece, encounter friendly fire from defenders at Nicosia International AirportNicosia International AirportNicosia International Airport is a largely disused airport located to the west of the Cypriot capital city of Nicosia. It was originally the main airport for the island, but commercial activity ceased following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974...
, causing heavy Greek casualties. Turkish forces have successfully created a bridgehead between Kyrenia and Agyrta-Nicosia, forcing Cypriot National GuardCypriot National GuardThe Cypriot National Guard , also known as the "Greek Cypriot National Guard" or simply as "National Guard", is the combined arms military force of the Republic of Cyprus...
forces to retreat south.
- 23 July 1974 – Nikos SampsonNikos SampsonNikos Sampson was the de facto president of Cyprus who succeeded Archbishop Makarios, President of Cyprus, in 1974. Sampson was a journalist and a member of EOKA, which rose against the British colonial administration, seeking Enosis of the island of Cyprus with Greece...
is removed from office and replaced with Glafkos KleridesGlafkos KleridesGlafcos Ioannou Clerides is a Greek-Cypriot politician and the fourth President of the Republic of Cyprus.Clerides was the eldest son of the lawyer and statesman Ioannis Clerides....
. The coup regime ends. A general ceasefire is declared, but in many parts of the island, this is not adhered to.
- 23 July 1974 – Turkish forces have advanced as far south as NicosiaNicosiaNicosia from , known locally as Lefkosia , is the capital and largest city in Cyprus, as well as its main business center. Nicosia is the only divided capital in the world, with the southern and the northern portions divided by a Green Line...
International Airport, where they encounter stiff resistance from Greek and Greek Cypriot forces. Two Turkish M47 tanks are destroyed by anti-tank rockets fired by infantry defending the airport. The capture of the airport was one of the few objectives that the Turkish ArmyTurkish ArmyThe Turkish Army or Turkish Land Forces is the main branch of the Turkish Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. The modern history of the army began with its formation after the collapse of the Ottoman Empire...
decisively failed to achieve during the invasion.
- 25 July 1974 – The first Geneva talks begin between the foreign ministers of the guarantor powers, to discuss the situation on the island.
- 26 July 1974 - Turkish forces occupy the villages of St Ermolaos and Sisklipos, as well as the pass of St Pavlos.
- 27 July 1974- The village of St Ermalaos is briefly recaptured by Cypriot National Guard forces.
- 28 July 1974 - Cypriot National GuardCypriot National GuardThe Cypriot National Guard , also known as the "Greek Cypriot National Guard" or simply as "National Guard", is the combined arms military force of the Republic of Cyprus...
forces retreat from St Ermolaos after holding the area for more than three days against sustained Turkish assault.
- 29 July 1974 - Council of EuropeCouncil of EuropeThe Council of Europe is an international organisation promoting co-operation between all countries of Europe in the areas of legal standards, human rights, democratic development, the rule of law and cultural co-operation...
passes Resolution 573 condemning the coup d'etat in Cyprus and acknowledging Turkey's right to intervene in accordance with Article 4 of the Guarantee Treaty of 1960.
- 1 August 1974 - Heavy fighting at Karavas. One Turkish M47 tank is reported destroyed by an AT-3 Sagger anti-tank guided weapon.
- 2 August 1974 – The Battle of Kornos Hill results in a minor victory for the Cypriot National Guard, with an ambush capturing an M47M47M47 or M-47 may refer to:* M47 Dragon, an American anti-tank missile system* M-47 , a state highway in Michigan* M47 Patton, an American main battle tank* BMW M47, a 1999 advanced BMW diesel engine...
tank, "092273", and an M113M113 armored personnel carrierThe M113 is a fully tracked armored personnel carrier that has formed the backbone of the United States Army's mechanized infantry units from the time of its first fielding in Vietnam in April 1962. The M113 was the most widely used armored vehicle of the U.S...
APC, "239943" , while destroying an M47 tank and an M113 APC with recoilless rifle fire. (Vlassis,2004)
- 6 August 1974 – Turkish forces of the 28th Division attack Lapithos and Karavas in the north of the island. Fighting in the general area progressed south, and continued until after the 14th of August.
- 8 August 1974 - Turkish forces occupy Lapithos after two days of resistance there by Greek Cypriot forces.
- 10 August 1974 – The second Geneva conference is held, during which time Glafkos KleridesGlafkos KleridesGlafcos Ioannou Clerides is a Greek-Cypriot politician and the fourth President of the Republic of Cyprus.Clerides was the eldest son of the lawyer and statesman Ioannis Clerides....
and Rauf DenktaşRauf DenktasRauf Raif Denktaş is the founder and the first president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus , a de facto state which is only recognized by Turkey...
meet to discuss the situation on the island.
- 14 August 1974 – Turkish forces commence the second stage of their operation, known as "Atilla-II", contravening the UN ceasefire.
- 14 August 1974 – The 28th and 39th Divisions of the Turkish Army advance beyond their previously observed UN ceasefire lines and engage in three days of assault against the Cypriot National GuardCypriot National GuardThe Cypriot National Guard , also known as the "Greek Cypriot National Guard" or simply as "National Guard", is the combined arms military force of the Republic of Cyprus...
. Morphou and Lefka both fall to Turkish forces.
- 15 August 1974 – The last defences at Famagusta ( VaroshaVarosha (Famagusta)Varosha is a quarter in the Cypriot city of Famagusta. It is located within Northern Cyprus. Prior to the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, it was the modern tourist area of Famagusta. Its inhabitants fled during the invasion, and it has remained abandoned ever since.-History:In the 1970s,...
) collapse, and Greek Cypriot forces withdraw to LarnacaLarnacaLarnaca, is the third largest city on the southern coast of Cyprus after Nicosia and Limassol. It has a population of 72,000 and is the island's second largest commercial port and an important tourist resort...
. Two Turkish M47 tanks are reported destroyed by M40A1 recoilless rifle fire at Vasilia.
- 15 August 1974 – In Nicosia, TurkishTurkeyTurkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
and Greek Cypriot tanks encounter each other in the only known tank-to-tank battle of the conflict. One Turkish M47M47M47 or M-47 may refer to:* M47 Dragon, an American anti-tank missile system* M-47 , a state highway in Michigan* M47 Patton, an American main battle tank* BMW M47, a 1999 advanced BMW diesel engine...
is reportedly destroyed by fire from three T-34's, and a number of other Turkish M47's are forced to retreat under artillery fire. (Karkaletsis, 2004)
- 16 August 1974 – Turkish forces advance as far as the “Atilla” line, a pre-determined territorial occupation by which time, 37% of the island is now under Turkish control.
Sources
- Cypriot National Guard Official Site http://www.army.gov.cy/
- The Cyprus Conflict http://www.cyprus-conflict.net/www.cyprus-conflict.net/index.html
- "Cyprus, 1974", by T. Cooper and N. Tselepidis, published October 28th 2003 for ACIG.org.
- APORRITOS ATILLAS, Savvas Vlassis
- "1974: The Unknown Backstage of the Turkish Invasion", Makarios Drousiotis, Nicosia 2002, ISBN 9963-631-02-9
- Cyprus 1974 - The Greek coup and the Turkish invasion, Makarios Drousiotis, Hellenic Distribution Agency
- Cyprus 100 Years Alex Efthyvoulou, Laiki Cultural Bank Archive
- Hellenic Nationalist Page http://www.hellas.org/
- ELDYK Camp 1974- the Thermopyles of Cyprus in Stratiotiki Istoria Issue 95, July 2004
- Representative of Peloponnesian ELDYK (based on listed sources: The Battle of Cyprus ( G.P. Sergis (Colonel ret.)), Waiting for Attila (Har. Haralampopopoulos (Vice general ret.)), For Cyprus (Ministry of Defence), He called the Turks (Gr. Mixalopoulos) ELDYK album 74 (Association of Reserve Officers of Kyrenia), ELDYK album).
- Occupied Cyprus Project http://www.kypros.org
- OPERATION "NIKI" 1974 - A Suicide Mission to Cyprus. (Mihail Solanakis).
- The Battle of the Nicosia International Airport, July 23-24, 1974
- War in Peace, Cyprus 1974, Pages 1669 - 1673 (PJ Banyard).
- The Action of the Captured M47 in Atilla II in The Unknown Soldier of Cyprus (Savvas Vlassis)
See also
- Military Conflict during the Cyprus Invasion
- Battle of Pentemili beachhead (1974)Battle of Pentemili beachhead (1974)Pentemili is the name of the beach of northern Cyprus where the Turkish troops landed on 20 July 1974. It is located 5 miles west of Kyrenia, thus the name. For 3 days , heavy fighting took place around the beachhead of Pentemili, between Turkish and Greek Cypriot forces.- The landing :The Turkish...
- Reported Military Losses during the Invasion of Cyprus (1974)Reported Military Losses during the Invasion of Cyprus (1974)On 20 July 1974, the armed forces of Turkey invaded the northern portion of the Republic of Cyprus on the pretext of intervening against a military coup taking place on the island by the Athens-backed Cyprus National Guard against the country's democratically elected President, Archbishop Makarios...
- Cyprus National Guard
- Cyprus Air ForcesCyprus Air ForcesThe Cyprus Air Command is the armed air wing of the National Guard. This force does not have any fixed wing combat aircraft, but is equipped with attack and anti-tank helicopters, surface-to-air missile and integrated radar systems, as well as Unmanned aerial vehicles .- Current Air Force...
- Cyprus Navy and Marine PoliceCyprus Navy and Marine PoliceThe Cyprus Naval Command is the armed sea wing of the Cyprus National Guard...
- Military Equipment of CyprusMilitary Equipment of CyprusCurrently, the Cyprus National Guard is a combined arms force and represents the organised air, land and sea capabilities of the Republic of Cyprus. Equipment has in the past, and usually still is, imported from other countries, since the country has only very limited heavy industrial and...
- Turkish invasion of CyprusTurkish invasion of CyprusThe Turkish invasion of Cyprus, launched on 20 July 1974, was a Turkish military invasion in response to a Greek military junta backed coup in Cyprus...
- Cyprus disputeCyprus disputeThe Cyprus dispute is the result of the ongoing conflict between the Republic of Cyprus and Turkey, over the Turkish occupied northern part of Cyprus....