An Iranian drone struck the runway of a British military base in Cyprus in the early hours of Monday, escalating tensions as the US-Israeli conflict with Iran continues to spread across the region.
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed that shortly after midnigh, a Shahed unmanned aerial vehicle crashed into military facilities at the British base in Akrotiri, causing minor material damage.
Britain’s Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the drone specifically hit the airport runway.
“This is an unmanned drone strike specifically on the airport runway… we’re not able to provide further information and detail at this point, but obviously all of the precautionary measures are being taken around the base,” she told Sky News.
The European Union moved quickly to express solidarity with Cyprus, a member state.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said after talks with Christodoulides: “While the Republic of Cyprus was not the target, let me be clear: we stand collectively, firmly and unequivocally with our Member States in the face of any threat.”
Christodoulides earlier stressed that Cyprus does not intend to be part of any military operation despite the strike occurring on its soil.
“We are in a region of particular geopolitical instability with many challenges and problems, which is going through an unprecedented crisis. Our homeland does not participate in any way and does not intend to be part of any military operation,” he said.
The strike comes after Britain agreed to allow the United States to use its military bases for what were described as “defensive” strikes targeting Iranian missiles and launchers.
The Royal Air Force Akrotiri base is located near the southern coastal city of Limassol and serves as a key British overseas military facility in the region.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer had earlier stated that Britain was “not involved in the initial strikes on Iran and we will not join offensive action now.”
“But Iran is pursuing a scorched-earth strategy, so we are supporting the collective self-defence of our allies and our people in the region,” he added in a post on X.
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