Another shooting incident in Alsancak raises alarm over rising gun violence in north Cyprus

ALSANCAK, North Cyprus (May 23, 2025) — A new incident has added to the growing series of gun-related attacks in Northern Cyprus, intensifying public concerns over the surge in armed violence in recent months. 

A residential property in Alsancak came under gunfire early Thursday afternoon, causing panic among local residents. Although no casualties were reported, the incident has once again raised concerns about public safety in the area.

According to eyewitness accounts, an unidentified individual or group opened fire on a private residence situated directly in front of a school building. 

Several shots were reportedly fired at the house, resulting in property damage. The individual inside the home at the time of the attack was unharmed.

Police units arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, securing the area and conducting a thorough investigation. Forensic teams were seen collecting evidence as part of the ongoing inquiry.

According to a statement by the police, the shooting occurred around 11:20 a.m. when an unidentified male fired several rounds at a house on Zeytinlik Street. While the bullets caused damage to the exterior of the property, no injuries were reported. Investigators recovered the firearm used in the attack discarded near the scene.

Approximately an hour later, during a routine traffic checkpoint on the Güzelyurt–Güneşköy Highway, officers from the Güzelyurt Police Department stopped a vehicle exhibiting suspicious behavior. A subsequent search revealed a 9mm pistol, a loaded magazine, and a live round. The driver, identified as 30-year-old İ.H.P., was taken into custody and is believed to be the perpetrator of the earlier shooting in Alsancak.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities pursuing multiple lines of inquiry. 

The incident marks the tenth gun-related attack in Northern Cyprus in the past ten months. Law enforcement officials and community leaders have expressed growing concern over what appears to be a rise in organized crime and the illegal possession of firearms in the region.

Local authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as they work to curb the trend of escalating gun violence.