British troops shot down an Iranian drone as missiles from Tehran landed just 200 yards from UK forces stationed in the Middle East. Hundreds of British personnel were caught in near misses in Bahrain and Iraq during Iran's large-scale attack.
In Bahrain, UK troops were positioned close to a US Naval base hit by Iranian missiles and drones. In Iraq, British forces were just 400 metres from a strike that penetrated allied defences. Defence insiders confirmed all UK troops are safe but declined to comment on casualties.
Two Iranian missiles reportedly flew toward Cyprus, where thousands of British personnel are based. RAF F-35B Lightning jets scrambled from RAF Akrotiri, while Typhoons launched from Qatar as US and Israeli forces conducted strikes on Iran.
A British counter-drone unit destroyed an Iranian UAV heading towards a coalition base housing UK troops. Military sources said commanders are considering withdrawing and dispersing personnel to reduce risks.
Defence Secretary John Healey stated: 'This regime is lashing out in an increasingly indiscriminate way. We have strengthened UK defences in the region and are active in regional defence operations.'
