John Healey, the UK defence secretary, has travelled to Cyprus to address diplomatic tensions following a drone strike on RAF Akrotiri. The attack, which occurred on Sunday, involved a Shahed-style drone that evaded detection and hit the base, prompting anger from Cypriot officials.
UK investigators believe the drone was launched by pro-Iranian militia in Lebanon or western Iraq, but have not conclusively determined its origin. The drone, a cheap Iranian design used as a one-way attack vehicle, caused no injuries and limited damage. Two other drones were intercepted later on Monday.
The Cypriot government has expressed disappointment over the failure to prevent the strike and the lack of timely warning to civilians living near the base. President Nikos Christodoulides criticised the incident, and his spokesperson, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, said the UK's statement on Sunday did not clarify that the bases would not be used for purposes beyond humanitarian reasons.
In response, the UK has deployed the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Dragon, expected to arrive next week, along with two Wildcat helicopters equipped with counter-drone capabilities. France and Greece have also sent military support, including F-16 jets and anti-drone systems. Families have been evacuated from RAF Akrotiri and are expected to remain away for some time.
