The Turkish Ministry of Defense has made a new provocation centered on Rhodes, targeting the establishment of an unmanned aerial vehicle base on the island and bringing the issue of demilitarization back to the forefront.

In a statement, the Turkish Ministry of Defense claims that the establishment of the UAV base constitutes a violation of the status that, according to Ankara, governs Rhodes.

More specifically, it states: “The establishment of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) base on Rhodes constitutes a violation of the island’s demilitarized status.”

The Turkish side continues in a strongly worded manner, claiming that this move will have negative consequences for relations between the two countries in the Aegean.

“It is clear that this move will harm peace and good-neighborly relations in the Aegean. Turkey will continue to resolutely protect its rights and interests arising from international treaties.”