US Congressman Calls on Washington to Demand Removal of Türkiye's F-16s from Cyprus

By Bosphorus News Staff

US Representative Rob Menendez issued a statement on 18 March condemning Türkiye's F-16 deployment to northern Cyprus and calling on Washington to demand their withdrawal.

"Turkey's most recent provocation and its military presence in Cyprus threatens one of our closest allies and the stability of the Eastern Mediterranean," Menendez said in the statement published on his official House website.

"For too long, Turkey has violated Cyprus' sovereignty and territorial integrity with impunity. That must no longer be the case. The United States must stand with the people of Cyprus and make clear we will not tolerate Turkey's aggression against our ally by demanding the removal of all Turkish F16s from Cyprus."

Menendez represents New Jersey's 8th Congressional District and sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. His statement follows Türkiye's deployment of six F-16C aircraft to Ercan airport in northern Cyprus on 9 March, a move Ankara described as a defensive measure in response to the military buildup around the island following Iranian drone strikes on RAF Akrotiri.

The deployment has drawn criticism from multiple US lawmakers. Congressman Chris Pappas had previously called for the jets' withdrawal and warned of congressional action if the administration did not act, citing potential violations of US arms export agreements governing American-made military equipment. The Trump administration has not publicly responded to either congressman's demands.