Cypriots protest outside RAF Akrotiri over Syria strike

About 350 protesters from communist organizations gathered in front of the entrance gate of RAF Akrotiri air base to denounce US-led airstrikes against suspected chemical weapons sites in Syria.

Protest leader Akis Poullos said they are demanding the closure of RAF Akrotiri, from where four British Tornado warplanes took off to take part in the missile strike on Saturday.

Poullos said Sunday's demonstration was also a message to the Cyprus government not to lend any assistance to "imperialist attacks" on Syria and to demand an end to the war in the country.

Protesters used red paint to write "NATO killers go home" on a nearby wall outside the base's gate.

Former colonial ruler Britain retained RAF Akrotiri and another military base on Cyprus after the east Mediterranean island gained independence in 1960.

The Cyprus government said it wasn't given any forewarning about Saturday's airstrikes and was not involved in any way.

It also said British Prime Minister Theresa May assured President Nicos Anastasiades that there's no danger to Cyprus and that Cypriots can feel secure.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson says he hopes there is no need for additional strikes against Syria, but that Britain and its allies will consider further action if Syrian President Bashar Assad uses chemical weapons in the future.

Johnson told the BBC on Sunday the airstrikes were proportionate and showed "the world has said enough is enough."