John Healey has flown to Cyprus to address diplomatic tensions following a drone strike on RAF Akrotiri. The attack, which occurred on Sunday, involved a Shahed-type drone that evaded detection and hit the base, prompting anger from Cypriot officials. Healey met his Cypriot counterpart in Nicosia on Thursday morning.
UK officials believe the drone was launched by pro-Iranian militia in Lebanon or western Iraq, likely Hezbollah. However, the investigation has not conclusively determined its origin. The attack took place during Iranian retaliatory bombardments after US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
The drone, a cheap Iranian design used as a one-way attack vehicle, caused no injuries and limited damage. Despite this, the Cypriot government expressed dissatisfaction over the failure to warn citizens near the base. Cyprus’s high commissioner to the UK, Kyriacos Kouros, said the country was “disappointed” and expected more cooperation.
Families have been evacuated from RAF Akrotiri, and defences have been bolstered. The UK has sent HMS Dragon, a Royal Navy destroyer, along with two Wildcat helicopters with counter-drone capabilities. France and Greece have also deployed military support, including F-16 jets and anti-drone systems.
