Tillyria commemorates 60th anniversary since bombings

Thursday marks 60 years since the bombing of Tillyria in 1964 when, from August 7 to 9, Turkish air forces dropped napalm bombs on villages in the area.

President of the community council of Kato Pyrgos of Tillyria Nicos Kleanthous said August 8th is a day of remembrance and honour for those who fell defending Tillyria in 1964.

He said the bombings burnt the whole area and left dozens dead – both residents and National Guardsmen.

“Tillyria paid a high price in an effort to keep the area unharmed and free from Turkey’s expansionism,” Kleanthous told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).

He added that if the current situation continues, the area will vanish.

Kleanthous spoke of “indifference” on behalf of the state.

“Unfortunately, Tillyria is struggling to survive alone,” he said.

He said Tillyria is neither north nor south and “the difficulties are immense.”

Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar will be among speakers at an event at Kokkina on Thursday to celebrate the bombings.

Tatar is expected to arrive by military helicopter, while others will arrive by land and sea.

About 650 Turkish Cypriots are set to be bused to the event.