President Nikos Christodoulides declared on Monday that the Republic of Cyprus will not be part of any military operation, following a drone strike on the British Bases at Akrotiri.
In a message to the nation following the incident, the president confirmed that a Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicle struck military facilities at the British Bases at Akrotiri at 12.03am, causing minor material damage.
“I want to be clear: Our homeland does not participate in any way nor does it intend to be part of any military operation,” Christodoulides said.
In his full address, the president said:
“Fellow citizens,
“In light of events, I chose to address all of you to inform you directly about what transpired last night.
“At 12.03am, a Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicle struck within the military installations of the British Bases at Akrotiri, causing minor material damage.
“From the first moment, all the 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, which remains in continuous consultation.
“At the same time, I am in continuous contact with all European leaders and leaders of other states regarding developments.
“Ladies and gentlemen,
“We are in a region of particular geopolitical instability with many challenges and problems, which is going through an unprecedented crisis.
“I want to be clear: Our homeland does not participate in any way nor does it intend to be part of any military operation.
“We remain committed to the humanitarian role we have served all this time, always as part of the solution and not the problem, and we will continue to operate with the same responsibility.
“We are doing what is necessary with our primary concern being the security of the country and its citizens.”
The president’s address came as the UK Ministry of Defence confirmed it was responding to a suspected drone strike at RAF Akrotiri.
Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said earlier that competent authorities immediately activated prescribed security protocols and are monitoring the situation in continuous coordination with the British government and the British Bases administration.
Terrified residents of Akrotiri fled their homes following the explosion at the base, with sirens blaring and warplanes scrambling into the night sky.
The strike comes as Iran launched retaliatory attacks across the Gulf following joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei on Saturday.
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