Background and Relevance of the Incident
Cyprus, a popular tourist destination for Israelis just an hour’s flight from Tel Aviv, has recently been the target of a thwarted Iranian plot against Israeli citizens. The Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gideon Saar, announced the foiled attempt on Saturday.
Who is Gideon Saar?
Gideon Saar is the current Minister of Foreign Affairs in Israel, appointed in June 2022. As a prominent figure in Israeli politics, Saar’s announcements carry significant weight and attention. His role in addressing security threats against Israeli citizens abroad underscores his relevance to this situation.
The Foiled Iranian Plot
Saar revealed on Twitter that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (an ideological military of the Islamic Republic) attempted to carry out an attack against Israeli citizens in Cyprus.
He credited the collaborative efforts of Cypriot security authorities and Israeli security services for successfully thwarting the attack.
Cypriot Police Action
The Cypriot police announced the arrest of a suspect “following a coordinated operation related to terrorism offenses,” without disclosing further details citing national security.
The British Foreign Office confirmed to AFP that the detained individual held British nationality.
Local Cypriot media reported that the suspect was of Azerbaijani origin, while Philenews suggested he had connections with Iranian agents and posed as a British tourist upon arrival in Cyprus in May.
Larnaca: A Key Transit Point
Larnaca, home to Cyprus’s main international airport and a crucial transit point for the Israeli-organized air bridge to repatriate tens of thousands of Israelis stranded abroad due to the closure of Israel’s airspace amidst the war with Iran, has been under heightened scrutiny.
Past Attempts and Collaboration
Israeli and Cypriot authorities have previously announced the foiling of multiple attempts targeting Israeli citizens in Cyprus over the past few years, highlighting their ongoing cooperation in maintaining security.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was behind the foiled plot? The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps was identified as the entity responsible for planning the attack.
- What was the target of the plot? The intended victims were Israeli citizens in Cyprus.
- How was the plot foiled? Collaborative efforts between Cypriot and Israeli security services led to the successful disruption of the attack.
- Who was arrested in connection with the plot? A British national of Azerbaijani origin was detained following a coordinated operation by Cypriot authorities.
- Why is Larnaca significant in this context? Larnaca serves as a vital transit point for the air bridge facilitating the return of Israeli citizens stranded abroad due to geopolitical tensions.
