Cypriot authorities, along with Greece and FRONTEX, conducted a forced return flight for migrants residing illegally in Cyprus on May 21. This was the seventh joint operation for deporting third-country nationals in 2024. A total of 4,491 individuals have been repatriated from Cyprus as of May 21, showing a significant increase from the 3,489 repatriations during the same period in 2023.
The helicopter that crashed in Iran, killing the president and foreign minister, was a Bell 212 model. Bell developed the aircraft in the late 1960s for the Canadian military, and it is used globally for various purposes. The Bell 212 can carry passengers, cargo, and mount weapons. Non-military organizations and countries like Japan, the United States, and Thailand operate the Bell 212. Iran’s current fleet includes Italian-built naval versions of the helicopter. The most recent fatal crash involving a Bell 212 was in 2023 off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. Iran has managed to keep its aviation fleets flying through a combination of smuggled parts and reverse-engineering. The accident does not automatically fall under global rules for air accident probes, and it is unlikely that Iran will seek outside help for the investigation.
The European Union unveiled a €1 billion economic aid package for Lebanon in exchange for the country slowing migration flows, especially amid a sharp rise in Syrian refugees headed to Cyprus and Italy.
At least five migrants died in a failed attempt to cross the English Channel near Wimereux. French coast guard confirmed the incident, with several ‘lifeless bodies’ found. The Channel is known for strong currents, making the crossing dangerous, especially on overloaded dinghies used by people smugglers.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is determined to send asylum seekers to Rwanda as a deterrent for migrants arriving in small boats. The UK government has been trying to deport migrants to stop the flow, arguing that the crossings are risky and benefit criminal gangs. Critics believe sending asylum seekers to Rwanda is inhumane and raises concerns about human rights. Sunak’s new law limits individuals’ appeal options and overrides previous court rulings. The first flights to Rwanda are expected to take off in 10 to 12 weeks, despite opposition from charities, rights groups, and unions.
The government of Cyprus has indefinitely suspended the processing of asylum applications from people of Syrian origin, citing an “emergency situation due to sudden influxes” from Syria. This decision, made under the Christodoulides Government, includes the use of the National Guard in anti-refugee operations and the suspension of asylum applications for 21 months for Syrians. The government’s measures have been criticized for violating international obligations under the Geneva Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as for contributing to anti-immigration and anti-refugee sentiments. Additionally, the government’s actions have been deemed illegal and disproportionate, with concerns raised about military-style pushbacks conducted with the navy and police.
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Fact: A boat with two people on board sank off the coast of Limassol, and the coast guard staged a rescue operation.
A 16-year-old was arrested as the navigator of a boat carrying 73 Syrian migrants that arrived in Larnaca. Another boat with 37 irregular migrants was also intercepted off Cape Greco.
– The National Security Council convened to discuss developments in the Middle East and migration.
– No decisions were made to change security measures, but there was an evaluation of existing data.
– The government has no information about the possibility of strikes on Israeli targets in Cyprus.
– Due to the situation in the region, the entire region is under threat.
– A joint forced-return flight took place where 3,337 people were deported for living in Cyprus illegally.
– Cyprus’ police participated in the operation with Greek authorities and Frontex.
– The National Security Council constantly assesses data and exchanges views on major concerns.
– There are no news to be announced regarding Christodoulides’ invitation to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to visit Lebanon.
– Christodoulides visited Lebanon to address migration and called for more EU support in tackling migration flows.