Around 350 demonstrators from communist organisations in Greece and Cyprus gathered at the entrance of RAF Akrotiri on Sunday to protest against US-led airstrikes in Syria. The protesters demanded the closure of the British air base, which was used by four Tornado warplanes that participated in the missile strikes.
Protest leader Akis Poullos said the demonstration was a message to the Cyprus government not to assist 'imperialist attacks' on Syria and to call for an end to the war. Signs condemning 'NATO killers' were displayed, and red paint was used to write 'NATO killers go home' on a wall outside the base.
Britain, along with the US and France, launched airstrikes on suspected chemical weapons sites in Syria in response to an attack on a rebel-held area that killed over 75 people. The UK retained RAF Akrotiri and another military base on Cyprus after the island gained independence in 1960.
The Cyprus government stated it was not given prior warning about the airstrikes. However, British Prime Minister Theresa May assured Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades that there was no danger to Cyprus and that Cypriots could feel secure.
