Newsroom
Sirens were heard again a few minutes ago (Monday morning) at the British RAF Akrotiri base near Limassol, heightening anxiety on the island, although there was no immediate confirmation that a new drone strike or attack had taken place, officials said.
The alert comes just hours after an Iranian drone struck the strategic military installation, marking one of the closest spillovers of the widening Middle East conflict into Cyprus.
British authorities have confirmed that the earlier drone attack hit the runway area of RAF Akrotiri, though officials have released few operational details, citing security concerns.
British authorities have confirmed that the earlier drone attack hit the runway area of RAF Akrotiri, though officials have released few operational details, citing security concerns. Precautionary measures remain in place around the base, while military activity has visibly increased in the surrounding area.
The United Kingdom has also begun relocating families stationed at the base as a safety measure, underscoring concerns about potential further incidents as regional tensions escalate.
RAF Akrotiri, one of Britain’s sovereign base areas in Cyprus, plays a key logistical role in operations across the Middle East. Its strategic location has drawn renewed attention as Iran and allied forces expand attacks against targets linked to Western countries and regional partners.
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the government is focused on protecting citizens across the region and assisting thousands of British nationals affected by airspace closures and security risks.
Officials estimate that roughly 300,000 British citizens are currently in Gulf countries impacted by recent strikes. Authorities are urging residents to follow local safety guidance while the UK deploys rapid-response teams to coordinate assistance and support evacuation planning if needed.
Cooper said Britain is exploring “every possible option” to help citizens return home safely but emphasized that reopening regional airspace remains the preferred solution to allow commercial flights to resume.
The foreign secretary also stressed that the United Kingdom’s military role in the region remains defensive, reiterating that London made a deliberate decision not to participate in recent U.S. strikes against Iran.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue as Western and Gulf officials seek to prevent further escalation. Several regional governments have expressed alarm at the widening attacks, requesting additional defensive support amid fears the conflict could spread further.
In Cyprus, authorities continue to monitor developments closely. The drone strike, combined with renewed siren alerts, has reinforced the island’s proximity to a rapidly evolving conflict, even as Cypriot officials maintain that the country itself is not involved in military operations.
No injuries were reported in connection with the earlier strike, and officials have not confirmed whether Monday’s sirens were triggered by a specific threat or precautionary procedures.
The situation remains fluid, with security services across the Eastern Mediterranean on heightened vigilance as developments unfold.
*Source: Sky News
