The United Kingdom has confirmed there is no indication that the Cypriot public is being targeted, and that British travel advice for Cyprus remains unchanged, as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer ruled out any RAF role in offensive strikes against Iran.
Starmer told the House of Commons on Monday that the RAF would not take part in offensive action. He also said the bases in Cyprus had not been used by US forces for offensive strikes, and that the drone which hit Akrotiri was launched before the UK made its announcement allowing American forces limited use of British facilities.
The Iranian-made drone struck within yards of British personnel at RAF Akrotiri, though there were no casualties. British Typhoon and F-35 warplanes were subsequently scrambled as sirens sounded again at the base on Monday. Cyprus government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis confirmed that two further drones heading toward Akrotiri were intercepted.
The strike came amid a rapidly escalating regional conflict. Hostilities entered their third day on Tuesday, with the US and Israel continuing to strike Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the initial attack on Saturday.
The British High Commission in Cyprus reshared the UK government statement on Tuesday, saying Britain remains in close contact with Cypriot authorities and will continue to provide updates.
Read more:
