Cyprus security authorities heightened their vigilance after a drone strike targeted RAF Akrotiri on 2 March, with two suspects already in custody prior to the incident.
- Cyprus security authorities heightened their vigilance after a drone strike targeted RAF Akrotiri on 2 March, with two suspects already in custody prior to the incident.
Cyprus security: Arrests Preceding the Attack
On 26 February, a 28-year-old Azerbaijani man and a 27-year-old Estonian woman were apprehended as part of a terrorism investigation. Sources indicate that they had been under surveillance due to suspicious behaviour. The Azerbaijani suspect reportedly took photographs of facilities in Paphos linked to Israeli interests and had travelled to various locations including Limassol and Larnaca.
Intelligence passed to the Cyprus Police suggested that the 28-year-old had connections to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), having made previous trips to Iran. Classified information indicates a specific handler in Iran linked to the suspect, who is already associated with another Azerbaijani man arrested last summer on charges of terrorism and espionage for photographing British military sites.
Heightened Alert and Preventive Measures
In the days leading up to the drone strike, security authorities had received warnings about potential UAV activity on the island. As a precaution, measures were intensified from 1 March. Following the attack, police leadership issued directives for officers to maintain high levels of alertness and operational readiness.
An internal memo instructed officers to focus particularly on facilities connected to American and Israeli interests. Enhanced patrols were dispatched to secure these locations, and guidelines were established for monitoring areas adjacent to the buffer zone.
Collaboration with British Bases
Cyprus Police have coordinated efforts with the British Bases in Larnaca and Limassol. A source familiar with the security situation noted the challenges posed by building evacuations, which can lead to risks such as break-ins or property theft.
Precautionary Responses and Public Safety
On 4 March, a sports bag discovered near the residence of the chief rabbi in Larnaca prompted a swift response from police. Though the bag raised concerns, it was later determined to belong to a person associated with a nearby sports centre, and nothing suspicious was found.
In a separate incident shortly after the drone strike, a television crew was approached by Limassol Police while filming near a maintenance facility at Akrotiri, outside the designated press area. Officers verified the crew’s identities and managed the situation without confrontation.
