The Center for Combating Disinformation, operated under the Turkish Presidency's Directorate of Communications, has issued a firm denial regarding claims that Turkish fighter jets harassed an aircraft carrying high-ranking European officials, including Greek Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias.

In a statement released on Monday, the center described the allegations circulating in some media outlets and on social media platforms as “entirely false,” rejecting claims that Turkish military aircraft engaged in provocative actions against planes carrying Greek Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias and other European officials.

According to the statement, the reports falsely alleged that Turkish aircraft had harassed foreign aircraft and entered Greek airspace during activities conducted in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The Directorate of Communications stressed that no such violation or harassment occurred and that Turkish military operations remained fully within authorized areas.

“The claims circulated by certain media outlets and shared on social media alleging that Turkish aircraft harassed planes carrying Greek Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias and European ministers, and that Turkish aircraft violated Greek airspace, are entirely false,” the statement said.

The center stated that on June 7, four of six aircraft operating on a route between Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA) entered the airspace of the TRNC.

As a precautionary measure, two Turkish F-16 fighter jets stationed in the TRNC on alert duty were immediately scrambled to monitor the situation and ensure the security of the airspace.

According to the statement, the Turkish aircraft carried out their mission entirely within TRNC airspace and did not enter the airspace controlled by the Greek Cypriot Administration.

Officials further emphasized that no actions were taken against the aircraft involved and that there was no harassment of any civilian or official flights.

The Directorate of Communications also addressed separate claims related to Turkish Air Force activities conducted in recent days.

It noted that all flights organized on June 6 as part of celebrations marking the 115th anniversary of the Turkish Air Force Command and the “Youth and Aviation Festival” were carried out within the designated operational area of the 2nd Main Jet Base Command.

Authorities said the flights complied with all established procedures and did not involve any violations of foreign airspace.

The Center for Combating Disinformation urged the public to rely on official statements and verified information regarding security-related developments, warning against the spread of misleading reports that could distort public understanding of events in the region.

The statement comes amid ongoing sensitivities in the Eastern Mediterranean, where airspace and maritime jurisdiction issues remain subjects of dispute between Türkiye, Greece, and the Greek Cypriot Administration.

Turkish authorities reiterated that the country's armed forces continue to operate in accordance with international obligations and established rules of engagement while safeguarding the security of the TRNC and the broader region. (ILKHA)