A powerful explosion was heard near the Royal Air Force (RAF) Akrotiri base in Cyprus late Sunday night, prompting alarms and a heightened security alert at the British military installation on the island. Local residents and media reported the sound of a significant blast near the sovereign base area in Akrotiri, close to Limassol, as sirens were activated and personnel were ordered to shelter in place.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, armed forces were responding to a “suspected drone strike” at the installation near Limassol. Loud blasts were heard shortly after a “security threat” was declared, with around 2,000 service personnel and their families ordered to take cover.
UK Ministry of Defense sources described the incident as a “live situation,” confirming that force protection measures in the region are at their highest level. Officials said the base had acted to defend its personnel. Minor damage was reported, but there were no casualties.
Drone from Iran attacks UK base in Cyprus
According to British media reports, the sound was linked to a suspected drone attack by Iran on a UK base in Cyprus. Unverified accounts from social media and news wire services suggest a small unmanned aerial vehicle may have impacted an airfield area within the RAF Akrotiri perimeter shortly before midnight.
RAF Akrotiri is a key strategic hub for British and allied operations in the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, serving as a base for surveillance, air defense, and logistical support. Amid broader regional unrest, the UK has recently authorized the use of several of its overseas facilities for defensive operations, a decision that critics warn could expose them to retaliatory strikes.
N. Christodoulides: Cyprus is not participating in any military operation
Cyprus is not participating in any way nor does it intend to become part of any military operation, states the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, in a video message. “We are doing what is necessary, with the security of the country and our citizens as our primary concern,” he noted.
In his message, President Christodoulides explained that, in light of the events, he chose to inform the public directly about what took place last night on Sunday. At 12:03 a.m., a Shahed-type drone crashed within the military installations of the British Bases in Akrotiri, resulting in minor material damage, he added.
“From the very first moment, all competent services of the Republic have been on alert and in full operational readiness. At the same time, I immediately convened the National Security Council to assess the situation, and it remains in constant consultation,” he added. Simultaneously, the President noted he is in constant contact with all European leaders and leaders of other states regarding developments.
“We are in a region of particular geopolitical instability with many challenges and problems, which is going through an unprecedented crisis,” he said, emphasizing that “our country is not participating in any way, nor does it intend to become part of any military operation.”
Related: Four Vessels Struck in the Strait of Hormuz, Including Greek-Owned Ship
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