Operation TOSCA explained: Inside Cyprus’ Buffer Zone
We’ve summed up the UK’s longest-running UN mission in three need to know points
Since 1974, the British Army has been deployed to Cyprus, the UK’s contribution to the UN Peacekeeping Force there.
As one of the longest-running continuous operations, around 260 soldiers from the British Army form the largest contingent of the multinational force.
Operation TOSCA is the name given to the British contribution to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).
In an area of continuing tension, they patrol 24/7 along the Buffer Zone that separates the Greek and Turkish Cypriots. Keeping the peace and maintaining stability in the country.
Here are three things you need to know:
1. What is the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP)?
UNFICYP was originally set up by the UN Security Council in 1964. This was to prevent further fighting between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, bringing about a return to normal conditions.
After the hostilities of 1974, the Council mandated the peacekeeping Force to prevent further conflict.
UNFICYP also delivers humanitarian aid to Greek Cypriots and a small Maronite community living in the northern part of the island. It also assists Turkish Cypriots living in the southern part of the island.
UNFICYP supports the fullest possible resumption of normal civilian activity in the Buffer Zone, keeping in mind that this is still an area under permanent armed watch by the military on both sides.
What is the Buffer Zone?
The Buffer Zone, which is also called ‘the Green Line’, extends approximately 180km across the island.
In some parts of old Nicosia it is only a few meters wide, while in other areas it is a few kilometres wide.
The area is restricted to the general public and no Greek or Turkish Cypriots are allowed inside. It is often described as “frozen in time”, containing relics of times gone by — old abandoned houses, cars and even an airport.
This is because the residents of the now Buffer Zone were forced to flee due to the increased conflict, with little time to even grab personal belongings.
2. What is the UK Armed Forces role?
UK Personnel are undertaking peacekeeping duties on the island. They took over responsibility for the central part of the buffer zone from Canadian forces in 1993. This area includes the city of Nicosia.
The British soldiers deployed keep permanent watch over the Buffer Zone, by patrols in vehicles, on foot, on bicycles and by helicopter.
They help maintain peace and encourage a return to normal conditions in the region.
3. Why Cyprus?
Since the 1950s there has been inter-communal violence between the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots on the Island. It was only when they gained independence in August 1960 that tensions eased.
However, the newly founded Republic of Cyprus was short-lived. Only three years later, in 1963, violence once again broke out between the two communities.
In response, the United Nations established the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) in 1964 with the aim of preventing further intercommunal violence, and supporting the return to normal conditions.
Further political upheaval in 1974 saw a Greek Cypriot military coup, which aimed to unite the island with mainland Greece, and a subsequent Turkish military invasion.
What followed was the division of the island along the de-facto ceasefire line between Turkish Northern Cyprus and the Greek Cypriot Republic of Cyprus, as we know it today. UNFICYP’s role was resultantly expanded to include monitoring the ceasefire line and prevent further conflict.
