Two firefighting helicopters sent from Israel have joined an operation to put out the wildfires in the occupied area of Cyprus.
The chief of Forestry Department, Charalambos Alexandrou, told CNA that two helicopters from Israel, flying from Larnaca airport, joined the operation at around two in the afternoon. He also said that, according to latest information, the wildfires seem to be partially under control.
The wildfires have been blazing near Kantara near since Tuesday evening. The helicopters arrived at Larnaca airport from Israel on Thursday morning, after a request from the Republic of Cyprus, along with a transport aircraft.
Alexandrou also mentioned that the firefighting operation seems to have been focused in the northern front of the wildfires, towards Keryneia, which expands from Akanthou to Pentadaktylos mountain. He explained that this northern part is not easily accessible due to the rocky grounds.
The eastern front of the wildfire was put out, he added, as the wind was not reinforcing it. Alexandrou added that the risk of a rejuvenation of the fire is still present, which makes it important to put it under total control.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. A non-established state, which the UN describe it as “legally invalid” and no country except Turkey recognises, is running in the occupied areas in the north of Cyprus.
Source: Cyprus News Agency