John Healey, the UK defence secretary, 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 by flying low and slow. UK officials believe it was launched by pro-Iranian militia in Lebanon or western Iraq, though the exact origin remains unconfirmed.
The drone strike was the first against a British military installation on Cyprus in 40 years. No injuries were reported, and damage was limited, but the incident has sparked anger from the Cypriot government. Healey met his Cypriot counterpart on Thursday morning in Nicosia to discuss the fallout.
Cypriot officials expressed disappointment over the lack of warning before the strike. President Nikos Christodoulides criticised the failure to stop the drone, and his spokesperson stated that Cyprus had no intention of participating in any military operation. The UK has deployed HMS Dragon, a Royal Navy destroyer, and two Wildcat helicopters with counter-drone capabilities to bolster defences.
Families have been evacuated from RAF Akrotiri and surrounding areas, and they are expected to remain away for some time. The UK has also received support from France and Greece, who have deployed F-16 fighter jets and anti-missile systems to the region.
