Crackdown on Suspected Illegal Entry Facilitators Amid Migrant Surge
In a significant operation, immigration authorities in Famagusta and Larnaca have detained 13 individuals on charges of aiding illegal entry into the Republic. This action follows a surge in migrant arrivals, with 761 people, presumed to be Syrian nationals, reaching the island on 13 boats since Sunday.
The alleged navigators of these vessels, all reportedly from Syria, are now being held by the authorities. The recent spike in increased migration flows prompted the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre to deploy radar systems, which on Tuesday evening detected three new boats approaching.
The Port and Marine Police initiated an extensive search and rescue operation. The first boat, with 27 individuals aboard, was intercepted southeast of Cape Greco. It was subsequently escorted to Larnaca port. Following this, a heavily laden dinghy carrying 236 migrants was located and its passengers were transferred to Larnaca throughout the night. A third dinghy with 22 passengers was directed on Wednesday afternoon to the Golden Coast fishing shelter in Protaras.
Among those arrested were a 17-year-old, suspected of navigating the first vessel, and a 23-year-old man believed to be in charge of the second, overcrowded dinghy. Both are currently in custody, with the teenager remanded for eight days by the District Court of Larnaca. Additionally, two men, aged 16 and 25, were apprehended in connection with the third vessel’s arrival.
Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou expressed grave concerns over the recent events, describing the influx as an “attack by rotten ships.” He emphasized that Cyprus’s capacity to handle such increased migration flows is reaching its limits. Ioannou is calling for a reevaluation of Syria’s status and suggests that aid to Lebanon should be contingent on its effectiveness in intercepting boats headed for Cyprus.
He stressed that Cyprus seeks not financial assistance but “practical solidarity” from fellow EU member states. These developments come against a backdrop of reports from the U.N. human rights office, which earlier this year highlighted severe human rights violations faced by Syrian refugees returning home, including torture, abduction, sexual harassment, and violence.
