AKROTIRI, Cyprus — A drone strike targeted a Royal Air Force base in Cyprus late Sunday, raising concerns about the escalating regional conflict and prompting a heightened state of alert across the island nation. According to early reports, the attack caused limited damage and no injuries.
The incident occurred at RAF Akrotiri, a key British military installation, and involved a drone identified by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides as a Shahed model, manufactured in Iran. G1 reports that one of two drones targeting the base was intercepted.
“I aim for to build it clear: our country does not participate in any way and does not intend to be part of any military operation,” Christodoulides stated in a press release. Authorities have issued a security alert, advising residents near Akrotiri to remain indoors until further notice “due to a possible impact of a drone.”
British officials confirmed the attack and stated that their forces were responding to the incident. A spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence said the base remained operational and that the United States had not requested its use. Veja reports that the attack occurred as London was preparing to join France and Germany in considering “defensive actions” against Iran following recent tensions in the Gulf.
“Our Armed Forces are responding to a drone attack on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus,” the spokesperson said. “Our force protection in the region is at its highest level.”
The development underscores growing regional instability and raises questions about the potential for further escalation. The UK maintains a significant military presence on Cyprus, having retained the Akrotiri and Dhekelia bases after the island gained independence from British rule in 1960. AP News notes the base was previously targeted in 1986 by Libyan militants.
Yvette Cooper, the UK’s Foreign Secretary, indicated that further details would be released later in the day. The origin of the drone remains unknown, though the identification of the Shahed model points to a potential link to Iran.
The Cypriot government has stated it is investigating the incident and is on maximum alert. Konstantinos Letymbiotis, a government spokesperson, said that information indicated the drone caused “limited damage.”
