The British Sovereign Base Areas Administration (SBA) has instructed Akrotiri residents to shelter in place following a confirmed drone attack on RAF Akrotiri on Monday morning.
- The British Sovereign Base Areas Administration (SBA) has instructed Akrotiri residents to shelter in place following a confirmed drone attack on RAF Akrotiri on Monday morning.
In a statement, the SBA advised, “following a suspected drone impact at RAF Akrotiri, the Sovereign Base Areas Administration is advising residents of Akrotiri village to shelter in place until further notice.” The announcement heightened concerns among locals, as the region’s force protection has been elevated to the highest level.
The drone strike occurred shortly after midnight, as confirmed by both UK and Cypriot officials, resulting in limited damage to the base. Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis remarked on social media, “Regarding an incident that occurred shortly after midnight at Akrotiri Base, according to information received at various levels, it was an unmanned drone which caused limited damage.”
Residents of Akrotiri reacted with fear and uncertainty as they fled their homes following a loud explosion at the base. “We heard a very loud explosion and within minutes planes started taking off whilst sirens blared non-stop,” one resident shared. The chaos prompted many to abandon their properties without taking personal belongings, with some seeking refuge with relatives. “We came to our relatives without taking clothes or personal items. Our children won’t go to school tomorrow,” another local lamented.
In the wake of the drone attack, the British Bases secured their entrances and instructed British residents to remain indoors. Anxiety has swept through the community, with many residents calling for immediate information and support from the Republic of Cyprus.
This drone strike comes amid escalating tensions in the region, particularly following Iran’s recent retaliatory attacks across the Gulf after a deadly incident involving US and Israeli forces that resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Hezbollah also entered the fray, firing projectiles at Israel, further heightening the atmosphere of fear in the region.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey had mentioned on Sky News that Iran had launched missiles towards British Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus during these retaliatory strikes, although he stated, “We are pretty sure they weren’t targeted at our bases.” Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reassured President Christodoulides that Cyprus was not a target, a sentiment echoed by Cypriot Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas, who categorically denied reports of missiles directed towards the island.
