An Iranian drone crashed into the British RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus on Sunday, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides has confirmed, as conflict across the Middle East intensifies.
The UK Ministry of Defence said a “suspected drone strike” caused minimal damage and no casualties, adding that families at the base would be temporarily relocated as a precaution.
“Our force protection in the region is at the highest level and the base has responded to defend our people,” the MoD said, later adding: “Our base and personnel continue to operate as normal protecting the safety of Britain and our interests.”
The Sovereign Base Areas Administration announced the “temporary dispersal of non-essential personnel,” stressing nearby civilian areas were unaffected.
“All other locations, workplaces, businesses and facilities will remain open as normal and there are no restrictions in place,” it said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Cyprus was not the target but warned: “We stand collectively, firmly and unequivocally with our Member States in the face of any threat.”
The incident followed confirmation from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer that Britain had agreed to a US request to use UK bases for “defensive” purposes, while stressing the UK would “not join offensive action now.”
Iran has since launched missiles and drones at US assets and allies across the region. UK Defence Secretary John Healey warned British personnel were at risk from “indiscriminate attacks,” though Cyprus itself was “not a target.”
Source: BBC
