British military base in Cyprus hit by suspected drone strike incident

A suspected Iranian drone attack occurred at the UK’s Royal Air Force base of Akrotiri in Cyprus overnight, according to officials from the island and the British Ministry of Defence.

The incident, which took place at 12:03am local time, resulted in minor damage when a Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicle crashed into military facilities. President Nikos Christodoulides stated that all competent services of the republic are on alert and in full operational readiness.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced earlier that the UK would allow the United States to use its bases for attacks against Iran, following which the attack occurred. The base authorities advised residents near Akrotiri to shelter in place until further notice due to a “suspected drone impact”.

Akrotiri is one of two British military bases retained on the island since Cyprus gained independence in 1960. It also houses families of serving personnel. The UK Defence Ministry confirmed the attack, stating that its forces are handling a “live situation” and that force protection in the region is at the highest level.

The base responded to defend its people, and it was not immediately clear where the suspected Shahed drone was fired from. Two sources reported that the UK bases intercepted a second drone, but this information has not been verified. The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed solidarity with member states in the face of any threat, stating that the bloc stands “collectively, firmly and unequivocally” with its members.

The incident marks an escalation in the conflict, which is now in its third day.

Source: Al Jazeera