Fifty-two years have passed since the second phase of the barbaric Turkish invasion in Cyprus, known as operation Attila II, in the summer of 1974.

The second phase of the invasion followed the collapse of the peace talks in Geneva, which Turkey used as a pretext, having already transferred additional armed forces on the island.

The second phase lasted just three days and Turkey occupied the cities of Famagusta and Morphou during the illegal operation known as Attila II, despite the fact that UN Security Council Resolution 353 of 20th July called for an immediate ceasefire and an end to foreign military intervention in Cyprus.

On August 13, rumors are rife about an imminent new Turkish advance, and at 3 a.m. on August 14, Turkish Foreign Minister Turan Güneş is on the phone with Prime Minister Ecevit. He speaks in code:

“Ayşe goes on vacation (Ayşe is the name of Güneş’s daughter).

The message means that the second phase of the invasion can begin immediately.

Soon the tanks set off in two directions, towards Famagusta in the east and towards Morphou in the west on the island.

Within almost three days, that is, by 6 p.m. on August 16, the Turkish tanks reach Famagusta and Morphou, thus completing the implementation of their plan to create the Attila Line. The Turkish troops were reinforced with tanks and air support and advanced from the Kyrenia bridgehead.

Despite heroic resistance, such as the battle at the ELDYK camp, the Turkish forces managed to achieve their objectives, due to overwhelming superiority in military equipment and number of soldiers.

By the completion of “Attila II” on 16 August, Turkey had occupied approximately 36% of the Cypriot territory, creating the dividing line that exists to this day.

Approximately 200,000 Greek Cypriots were displaced from their homes, while widespread massacres and violence occurred.

Turkey, with operation “Attila II” completed its plan to partition the island, a plan that, as was later revealed, had been elaborated by Turkey in consultation with then American Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger.

The government, political parties and the people of Cyprus look back on today’s sad anniversary with pain and anger pledging to continue the struggle for liberation and reunification.

Source: Parikiaki.com