| 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 US ambassador in the American embassy in Cyprus.[2]
Hundreds of Greek-Cypriots who were frustrated at the failure of the United States to quell the Turkish forces and 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]