Authorities in Cyprus have implemented precautionary measures after a suspicious object was detected in the airspace near Lebanon, amid escalating conflict in the Middle East. The move follows the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and ongoing hostilities in the region.
Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis confirmed that two flights were requested to hold for a short period, while one aircraft opted to return to Athens. He emphasised that the airspace was never closed and continues to operate normally.
The incident comes days after a drone attack on RAF Akrotiri, prompting the UK to bolster security by deploying the destroyer HMS Dragon to the region. Two Wildcat helicopters equipped with counter-drone Martlet missiles will accompany the vessel.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that the UK is fully committed to the security of Cyprus and its military personnel, and that HMS Dragon is being readied for deployment. The British government has also authorised American forces to use UK bases to strike Iranian missile sites if necessary.
