Turkey Protests Israeli Flyover of North Cyprus

Turkey is demanding that Israel explain an alleged incursion by an Israeli aircraft into northern Cypriot airspace.

In a statement Thursday, the Turkish military said the Israeli plane violated the airspace five times on Monday. The statement did not identify the type of aircraft.

Turkey's Foreign Ministry said it has contacted Israel's mission in Ankara to get an explanation.

Israel's military has declined to comment on the allegation.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded the northern part of the island in response to a military coup that was backed by the Greek government. Cyprus joined the European Union in 2004, and the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is recognized only by Turkey.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.