On July 20, 1974 (the second day of the sixth lunar month), Turkish troops invaded Cyprus.

Tensions rose sharply in the eastern Mediterranean after Cyprus President Makarios was overthrown by the extremist leader of the Greek Progressive Party of Cyprus, Nikos Sampos. Turkish Prime Minister Brent Essevit claims that Greek troops are helping consolidate the new regime in Cyprus.

At dawn on July 20, 1974, Turkish troops invaded Cyprus, causing a major international crisis. The fierce fighting lasted for two days, and Turkey dispatched about 30,000 troops. After the fighting, the Turks took control of the triangle between Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, and the coast. Thousands of residents evacuated the area with help from the Royal Air Force and Navy.

A few days later, Sampson resigned and was replaced by the moderate Grafcos-Clerides. Meanwhile, peace talks began in Geneva.