A suspected Hezbollah drone struck the UK's RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus around midnight on Sunday, causing minor damage and prompting a partial evacuation. The attack occurred as the UK authorised the US to use its bases for strikes on Iranian missile sites.
Two more drones were intercepted on Monday morning, Cypriot authorities confirmed. The first drone, believed to be an Iranian-designed Shahed-type, was launched before Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the US would be allowed to use UK airbases. No casualties were reported.
The UK Ministry of Defence said force protection was at the highest level and the base had responded to defend personnel. Family members of British military staff were relocated elsewhere in Cyprus as a precaution. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed the drone caused minor material damage, stressing Cyprus was not involved in any military operations.
Defence sources said the drone's parts had been recovered for investigation. The incident marks the first direct attack on RAF Akrotiri since Libyan militants targeted it in the past.
