MOD confirms suspected Iranian drone strike on RAF base in Cyprus
The Ministry of Defense has confirmed that it responded to a suspected Iranian drone attack on a British military base in Cyprus.
“Our Armed Forces are responding to a suspected drone strike at midnight local time at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus,” a spokesman said. Independent. “Our force protection in the region is at its highest level, and the base has responded to defend our people.”
The spokesman added that the situation was “live” and further information would be provided “in due course”.
It was understood that there was no loss of life in the attack that took place in the early hours of Monday morning, but “light damage” was caused.
Sources speaking to the Cyprus Mail said British bases in the region declared a “security threat” shortly before midnight and staff were ordered to return to their homes and “stay indoors until further notice”.
They were also told to “move away from windows and hide behind or under sturdy, sturdy furniture” and to await further instructions.
It came just hours after Sir Keir Starmer announced he was allowing US forces to use UK bases in a dramatic U-turn as fighting continues to escalate following American and Israeli strikes on Saturday.
“The USA has requested permission to use British bases for this special and limited defense purpose,” Starmer said in the video message he sent to the country on Sunday evening. “We have decided to accept this request to prevent Iran from launching missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, risking British lives and striking countries not involved.”
The Prime Minister took blows from both sides for this reaction; first by the Conservative Party and Reform for refusing to allow the use of the RAF, and now by the Greens for bowing to Donald Trump.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski said: Independent: “It only took one phone call from Donald Trump for Starmer to jump into a new Middle East illegal war, failing to learn the lessons of the tragedies of Iraq, Libya and Syria.”
Reform England leader Nigel Farage said: Independent: “Better late than never. We have followers, not leaders.”
Starmer’s change of heart seems likely to increase concerns that Britain is being dragged into another war in the Middle East. On Saturday, Sir Keir revealed Iran had planned 20 atrocities in Britain last year alone.
