‘Greece will pay a heavy price’: Turkey’s President Erdogan hints at military action

·

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned Greece it would pay a “heavy price” if it continues to harass Turkish fighter jets over the Aegean and hinted at military action.

Speaking at an aerial technology festival in Samsun where Turkey showcased the prototype of an unmanned fighter jet, Erdogan lashed out at Greece amid rising tensions.

Although NATO allys, Turkey and Greece have decades-old disputes over an array of issues, including overflights, territorial claims in the Aegean Sea, hydrocardon resources in the Mediterranean, and the 1974 division of Cyprus.

In his address, Erdogan accused Greece of “occupying” islands in the Aegean Sea that have a demilitarised status.

“You occupying the islands doesn’t bind us,” Erdogan said. “When the time comes, we’ll do what’s necessary. As we say, we may come down suddenly one night.”

“Look at history, if you go further, the price will be heavy.”

According to AP News, the threat to “come down suddenly one night” has previously been used by Erdogan to hint at looming military operations into Syria and Iraq against Kurdish militants.

Erdogan has ramped up tensions with Greece.

Erdogan also made reference to the crushing defeat of Greek forces in Smyrna by the Turkish military in 1922 when he said: “We have one sentence to Greece: Don’t forget Izmir.”

These latest statements come as Turkey has accused Greece of using Russian-made S-300 missile systems in Crete to lock onto Turkish jets in August.

Ankara has also said Greek F-16s harassed Turkish jets by putting them under a radar lock during a NATO mission over the eastern Mediterranean. Turkey is submitting complaints with NATO. Athens has also accused Turkey of violating its airspace.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Tomaras brothers plead guilty over twin attacks in Sydney’s Glebe

Wolli Creek brothers Yianni Tomaras, 33, and Meneleos Tomaras, 30, have pleaded guilty to affray after attacking a former friend twice.

Cumberland Councillor Steve Christou slams rate hike amid cost-of-living crisis

Former Cumberland mayor and current councillor Steve Christou was the lone voice opposing a 7.1% council rate rise at this week’s meeting.

Independent and ethnic media in Australia face uncertainty after Google cuts funding deal

A group of multicultural publishers, including The Greek Herald, has been left in limbo after Google opted to end a funding deal early

Aussie Keeper Tom Glover weds Alexia Karavatakis in Greek island-style celebration

Goalkeeper Tom Glover tied the knot with the love of his life, Alexia Karavatakis, who hails from the island of Lesvos (Mytilene).

First-home buyers secure Earlwood property while holidaying in Mykonos

A first-home buyer couple successfully purchased a five-bedroom house in Earlwood for $2,871,000 while holidaying in Mykonos.

You May Also Like

Greece records 80 percent drop in migrant arrivals in 2020

The number of refugees and migrants arriving in Greece dropped 80 percent in 2020, according to an annual report by the Migration Ministry published on Tuesday.

Chalkidiki Brotherhood in NSW hosts dance to celebrate 60th anniversary

The Brotherhood of Chalkidiki "Aristotelis" of NSW hosted a dance for their 60th anniversary at the Pan Arcadian Federation Club in Ashbury.

Judo champion Thodoris Tselidis wins Greece’s first medal at Paris Olympics

Judoka Thodoris Tselidis won Greece's first medal at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday. Tselidis won bronze in the men’s -90kg weight class.