Turkish drone lands on northern Cyprus for energy exploration
A Turkish drone meant to help seek hydrocarbons in the eastern Mediterranean landed at an airport on the divided island of Cyprus on Monday, a Turkish official said, according Al Jazeera report. As the source said the move may further stoke tensions between Turkey and Greece.
The breakaway Turkish Cypriot cabinet on Friday designated the Gecitkale airport on the island as a base for both unarmed and armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at the request of the Turkish government,
The head of Turkey's Defence Industry Directorate Ismail Demir said the first unarmed Turkish drone took off from an airport in Turkey's western province of Mugla and landed at Gecitkale airport. DHA later said that the drone had begun its first flight in the eastern Mediterranean, but did not elaborate further.
Turkey began seeking oil and gas off the coast of Cyprus earlier this year, sending two drill ships and an exploration vessel with UAVs escorting them. In response, the European Union has called the activities illegal and readied sanctions against Turkey.