Tel Aviv [Israel], June 21 (ANI/TPS): Authorities in Cyprus have thwarted a suspected imminent terrorist attack, arresting an Azerbaijani national believed to be affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to information obtained by TPS—The Press Service of Israel.
The suspect, described as a man of foreign origin, was detained near Limassol Port and brought to court under secrecy. The court has ordered an eight-day detention—the maximum custody period permitted in Cyprus—indicating the severity of the charges.
Cypriot police have charged the man with conspiracy to commit a felony, involvement in criminal activities, espionage, and terrorism. Officials allege that the suspect was spying on military installations across the island, including British Sovereign Bases and foreign military sites.
Authorities revealed that the man had arrived in Cyprus in April and had been staying near the Akrotiri Base, one of the British military installations. He was placed under surveillance after being observed photographing and filming sensitive sites. He later traveled to Paphos, where he reportedly recorded footage of the Andreas Papandreou Air Base, a facility currently being expanded under a recent U.S.-Cyprus agreement to accommodate American humanitarian operations.
According to Cypriot intelligence, the suspect’s presence and behavior were flagged through a tip-off from a foreign intelligence agency. TPS sources confirmed that his actions were consistent with surveillance in preparation for a terror attack and that he was believed to be operating on behalf of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
In response, Cyprus has heightened security across the island, particularly around Jewish and Israeli interests, including synagogues, Chabad centers, and businesses. Hotels hosting Israeli tourists and evacuees have also seen a quiet increase in police presence.
The island has become a temporary haven for many Israelis amid the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict. With commercial flights to Ben Gurion Airport suspended, Cyprus serves as the closest and most accessible ally for stranded Israelis. Local media estimate that around 30,000 Israelis are currently on the island, either residing there or awaiting repatriation.
Cyprus has long maintained close ties with Israel, and its proactive security measures underscore the seriousness with which it treats threats against its territory and international residents. (ANI/TPS)
About The Author
