Turkey increases military presence abroad: Largest contingent in Cyprus

Turkey continues to actively expand its military presence outside the country, deploying significant forces in various regions of the world. According to the Turkish Ministry of Defense, about 70,000 troops are deployed abroad — approximately 13% of the total armed forces, estimated at 550,000 people.

Turkish military units are stationed in 12 regions, performing various tasks — from participating in peacekeeping missions to ensuring national security and conducting operations abroad. Meanwhile, the largest concentration of Turkish troops is located in northern Cyprus.

It is estimated that around 35,000–40,000 Turkish military personnel are stationed in the territory of the so-called TRNC, making Cyprus a key direction for Ankara's military presence abroad. In Turkey, these forces are called the "Cyprus Peace Forces," while the Republic of Cyprus, Greece, and the international community view them as occupational.

Other foreign contingents operate on the basis of bilateral or international agreements. Exceptions include forces in Syria and Iraq, where Turkey uses military bases as part of counter-terrorism operations.

Ankara emphasizes that the expansion of its military presence reflects a strategy to strengthen the country's influence in the region and beyond. According to sources in the Ministry of Defense, the active deployment of troops is part of a broader policy of ensuring security and participating in international missions.

Experts note that the strengthening of the Turkish military presence, especially in Cyprus, continues to be one of the key factors of tension in the Eastern Mediterranean and affects the geopolitical balance in the region.