Imia Crisis: What Happened
In January 1996, Greece and Turkey came close to war over Imia, two small uninhabited rocky islets in the Aegean Sea, near the Greek island of Kalymnos, known in Turkey as Kardak. The crisis began in December 1995, when a Turkish cargo ship ran aground on one of the islets and its captain refused Greek help, claiming the islets were Turkish. In January 1996, the mayor of Kalymnos raised a Greek flag on one islet, and Turkish journalists then flew in by helicopter, took it down and raised a Turkish flag, broadcasting the event on television. Greek commandos raised the Greek flag again. Both countries sent warships, and Turkish special forces secretly landed on the second islet. On 31 January, a Greek navy helicopter crashed during the crisis, killing three officers. Through intense diplomacy, with the involvement of US officials, including Richard Holbrooke, both sides agreed to withdraw their forces and remove their flags. The Greek prime minister, Costas Simitis, faced criticism at home for his handling of the crisis. The dispute over the islets' sovereignty remains unresolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Imia Crisis?
The Imia Crisis was a military standoff between Greece and Turkey in January 1996 over two small uninhabited islets in the Aegean Sea, near Kalymnos.
Where are the Imia islets?
The Imia islets, called Kardak in Turkey, are two tiny rocky islets in the eastern Aegean, between the Greek island of Kalymnos and the Turkish coast.
What started the Imia Crisis?
A Turkish cargo ship ran aground on one islet in December 1995. In January 1996, a Greek flag was raised, then removed by Turkish journalists, and both navies deployed.
Did anyone die in the Imia Crisis?
Yes. On 31 January 1996, a Greek navy helicopter crashed during the crisis, killing three officers.
How was the Imia Crisis resolved?
Through intense diplomacy involving US officials, including Richard Holbrooke, both sides withdrew their forces and flags. The sovereignty dispute remains unresolved.
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