The Ministry of Defense (MoD) has provided a major update after an RAF Akrotiri on Cyprus was recently targeted in a drone strike. Speaking on Monday, a Cypriot government spokesperson confirmed that two drones heading for RAF Akrotiri were intercepted.
Speaking on X Konstantinos Letymbiotis confirmed they had been traveling in the direction of the British base at the time of interception. Afterwards, the Sovereign Base Areas Administration confirmed it was planning the “temporary dispersal of non-essential personnel” from RAF Akrotiri. As part of an update on Wednesday, the UK Ministry of Defense said RAF Typhoon and F-35B jets continued defensive air operations across the Middle East overnight, supported by Voyager air-to-air refueling aircraft. The department also confirmed that a Shahed-like drone targeted RAF Akrotiri at midnight on March 2, but said it was not launched from Iran.
THIS IS A BREAKING STORY. MORE TO FOLLOW…
A statement said: “Overnight, RAF Typhoon and F-35B jets continued defensive air operations across the Middle East with support from Voyager air-to-air refueling in defense of British interests and allies.
“The Ministry of Defense can confirm that a Shahed-like drone which targeted RAF Akrotiri at midnight on 2nd March was not launched from Iran.
“In the last 24 hours, the UK has resupplied air defense systems to British and allied bases across the region – including UK-built air defense missiles.
“Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters – armed with Martlet missiles capable of taking out aerial threats – will arrive in Cyprus in the coming days.”
In the aftermath of the drone incident, families of British service personnel were relocated from Akrotiri as a precaution.
*** Ensure our latest news headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings. ***
The Foreign Office has also updated its travel advice for Cyprus, urging British nationals to take “sensible precautions” due to what it described as a “heightened risk of regional tensions”.
Defense Secretary John Healey had said the attack demonstrated the “dangerous and indiscriminate attacks” carried out by Iran and its proxies.
The UK Foreign Office updated its travel advice, urging British nationals to take “sensible precautions” due to “heightened risk of regional tensions”.
THIS IS A BREAKING STORY. MORE TO FOLLOW…