british bases — british bases — Activists are gearing up for protests in Cyprus, the UK, and the US on 28 September, targeting the involvement of British military operations in Cyprus, which they argue support Israeli actions in Gaza. The UK-US: Bases Off Cyprus campaign is spearheading these demonstrations, with events scheduled in London, Nicosia, and Reno, Nevada.
British bases: Protests Planned Across Three Locations
The protests will kick off at 2pm local time at the Ministry of Defence in London, followed by a gathering outside Nicosia District Court at 4pm, where demonstrators will then march to the British High Commission. In Reno, activists will convene at Legends Mall at 1pm Pacific time.
Claims of Intelligence Support
According to the campaign, since October 2023, approximately 600 spy flights have been conducted from RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, providing live intelligence directly to Israel. This assertion is backed by confirmations from UK officials regarding intelligence-sharing arrangements.
Shift in Surveillance Operations
Recent changes indicate that Britain has transitioned surveillance operations from Royal Air Force assets to the Sierra Nevada Corporation, a US defence contractor based in Reno. Activists have described this move as an extension of US military capabilities, raising concerns about the implications for regional stability.
Historical Military Presence in Cyprus
RAF Akrotiri, located within the British Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus, has a long-standing history of conducting reconnaissance flights over the eastern Mediterranean. These operations have intensified since the outbreak of conflict in Gaza in October. The UK government has acknowledged its intelligence-sharing commitments with allied nations but has refrained from disclosing specific operational details.
Targeting Cypriot Government Collaboration
The protest organisers have also directed criticism at the Cypriot government, led by President Nikos Christodoulides, for facilitating UK and US military operations by granting access to local infrastructure. The campaign is advocating for the dismantling of the British Sovereign Base Areas.
Coalition of Activist Organisations
Several groups are involved in the protest efforts, including Genocide-Free Cyprus, Pancyprian Peace Council, Codepink, and the Stop the War Coalition, among others. These organisations are united in their call for an end to the military presence and operations that they believe contribute to ongoing violence in Gaza.
A Historical Context of Military Bases
The British military presence in Cyprus dates back to 1878, when the UK assumed control of the island as a protectorate from the Ottoman Empire in exchange for military support against Russia. Following Cyprus’s independence in 1960, the UK retained sovereignty over about 98 square miles for military bases at Akrotiri and Dhekelia. These installations have played strategic roles through various conflicts in the region over the decades, including the ongoing situation in Gaza.
UK Government’s Stance
Defence ministry officials have consistently asserted that operations from these bases are conducted in line with international law and existing bilateral agreements with Cyprus. However, the increasing scrutiny from activists reflects growing public concern over the UK’s military involvement in global conflicts.
