Flights have been disrupted over Cyprus after authorities detected a suspicious object in the airspace near Lebanon. The precautionary measures come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader.
Cypriot government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis confirmed that a possible suspicious object was detected, prompting two flights to enter holding patterns. One plane chose to return to Athens, while the other landed normally. Letymbiotis stressed that the airspace was not closed and continues to operate.
The incident follows a drone attack on RAF Akrotiri, a British base in Cyprus. In response, the UK is deploying HMS Dragon, a Type 45 destroyer, along with two Wildcat helicopters equipped with counter-drone Martlet missiles. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed the deployment after speaking with the Cypriot president.
Sir Keir stated, 'The UK is fully committed to the security of Cyprus and British military personnel based there.' The enhanced security measures aim to protect the island, a popular destination for British tourists, as regional instability persists.
