1974 anti-American riots in Cyprus | |
---|---|
Location | Nicosia, Cyprus |
Date | August 19, 1974 |
Attack type | Rioting and shootings |
Deaths | 2 |
Injured | Unknown |
The 1974 anti-American riots in Cyprus were violent anti-American rioting that took place in front of the United States embassy in Nicosia, Cyprus on August 19, 1974. [1] The events took place days after the second phase of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus which resulted in Turkey controlling 36.5% of the island. The gunmen murdered the ambassador in the American embassy in the Cyprus. [2]
Hundreds of Greek-Cypriots who were frustrated at the failure of the United States to quell the Turkish forces and fearing its alleged support for Turkey started to protest and riot. [3]
During the riots US Marines from the Marine Security Guard fired teargas and allegedly warning shots at the protestors, the Cypriot National Guard General Staff tried to get a platoon from 35th Raider Squadron to assist, however, the commander, Giorgos Papameletiou refused, stating that it was not the special forces job to protect the embassy rather the military police. [4] [5]
The American ambassador to Cyprus, Rodger Davies, who was seeking shelter inside the embassy, was shot and killed by sharpshooters belonging to EOKA-B, a Greek-Cypriot nationalist paramilitary. [6] from about 91 metres (100 yd) away. [7] An embassy employee, Antoinette Varnava, who rushed to his aid, was also killed by a sniper bullet. [8]
In February 1977, the Cypriot government decided to arrest six EOKA-B members and try them for the assassination of ambassador Davies however never being convicted. [9]
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The Ethniki Organosis Kyprion Agoniston was a Greek Cypriot nationalist guerilla organization that fought a campaign for the end of British rule in Cyprus, and for eventual union with Greece.
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EOKA-B or Ethniki Organosis Kyprion Agoniston B was a Greek Cypriot paramilitary organisation formed in 1971 by General Georgios Grivas ("Digenis"). It followed an ultra right-wing nationalistic ideology and had the ultimate goal of achieving the enosis (union) of Cyprus with Greece. During its short history, the organisation's chief aim was to block any attempt to enforce upon the Cyprus people what the organisation considered to be an unacceptable settlement to the Cyprus issue. In addition, the organisation drafted various plans to overthrow President Makarios. The organisation continued its activities until it officially declared its dissolution and disbanded on 11 February 1978.
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