Joint Search and Rescue Exercise “Caner Gönyeli-2026” to Begin in Northern Cyprus

From June 22 to 26, 2026, the annual invitational search and rescue exercise named after martyr Lieutenant Caner Gönyeli will take place in the territory, airspace and territorial waters of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Civilian and military units from the relevant agencies and organizations of Turkey and the TRNC will take part in the maneuvers. The exercise program is divided into several key stages that will cover land, sea and air operations.

According to the official schedule of the Security Forces Command, a press briefing for journalists will be held on Tuesday, June 23, at the department’s headquarters in Boğazköy. On the same day, the land phase of the exercise will be launched in the 101 Evler area, near St. Hilarion Castle, in Girne. The maritime phase of the maneuvers is scheduled for Wednesday, June 24, and will take place in the Eastern Mediterranean off the coast of Famagusta. The main purpose of the joint drills is to practice coordination, cooperation and operational readiness of the two countries’ rescue services in responding to emergencies on land and at sea.