Cyprus threatens to renegotiate British base status following drone strike

The government of Cyprus has alleged that the British government’s failure to communicate effectively paved the way for a drone strike on the Royal Air Force base at Akrotiri, raising the prospect of a renegotiation regarding the facility’s usage.

Nicosia contends that the persistent ambiguity surrounding the role of British bases—maintained since the UK relinquished its colonial rule—has dragged the island into the escalating conflict across the Middle East.

Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis told reporters during a briefing, “This is a situation we view with dissatisfaction.”

He argued that despite assurances provided to the Cypriot government, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s statement on Sunday failed to explicitly confirm that the British bases on the island would “not be used under any circumstances, except for humanitarian purposes.”

Shortly after midnight on Monday, a Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) struck the British Royal Air Force (RAF) base at Akrotiri. While this drone penetrated defenses, subsequent aerial incursions targeting the base throughout the day were intercepted.

Iran claims US military presence is shifting to Cyprus

Although the origin of the UAV attack remains unconfirmed, local media indicated the drone likely originated from Lebanon. Meanwhile, a senior commander within the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps warned of intensified missile strikes against Cyprus, alleging a surge in US military assets on the island.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated on Monday:

“Our bases in Cyprus are not being used by US bombers… The security of our friends and partners in Cyprus is of critical importance. I want to be clear: the attack on Akrotiri in Cyprus was not made in response to any decision we have taken. According to our assessment, the drone was launched before our announcement.”

Residents in Akrotiri and surrounding villages were jolted awake by sirens throughout the night, prompting an exodus from the area. Some sought refuge in Limassol or at Cypriot military barracks.

Local media chronicled the chaotic atmosphere, describing the indecision faced by families concerned for their own safety and that of their children.

The region remained under evacuation orders on Monday, with a re-evaluation of the situation scheduled for today, March 3.

Nicosia may renegotiate British bases

“All necessary steps will be taken to communicate our dissatisfaction regarding the manner in which this message was conveyed and the lack of timely warning provided to Cypriot citizens living near the Akrotiri bases,” Letymbiotis declared, adding that Cyprus would file a formal diplomatic complaint.

When asked if Cyprus, currently holding the rotating presidency of the EU Council, might seek to renegotiate the status of the bases, Letymbiotis responded, “We are not ruling anything out in this context.”

The European Union ministerial meeting scheduled to take place in Cyprus on Monday and Tuesday was postponed following the drone strike.

This marks the first time a British base in Cyprus has been struck since a rocket attack by Libyan militants in 1986. While the bases are considered British sovereign territory, Cyprus is an EU member and currently holds the bloc’s rotating presidency.

Akrotiri, situated on a peninsula at the southern tip of Cyprus southwest of the coastal city of Limassol, is one of two bases the UK has retained since its former colony gained independence in 1960. In the past, the base has been utilized for military operations in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.

Greece deploys naval vessels to the region

Meanwhile, Greece has ordered the deployment of military assets to the region following the drone strikes on southern Cyprus.

These attacks mark the first time an EU member state has been drawn into the three-day campaign conducted by the US and Israel against Iran.

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias announced on Monday that two frigates and two F-16 fighter jets would be deployed immediately.

Dendias stated:

“Following the unprovoked attacks on Cypriot territory, Greece will provide all possible contributions to the defense of the Republic of Cyprus against threats and illegal acts occurring on its soil.”

Greece has deployed the Belharra-class frigate Kimon and a second frigate equipped with the Kentauros anti-drone system. Two F-16 fighter jets have also been assigned to the mission.

Dendias will be on the island today, alongside Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff General Dimitrios Choupis, to coordinate the two countries’ stances.

Christodoulides: Cyprus has no intention of participating in any military operation

Following the confirmation of the drone attack, President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides delivered a televised address.

“I want to be clear: our country has not participated in this attack in any way, and we have no intention of participating in any military operation,” the Cypriot leader affirmed.

Christodoulides briefed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the attack.

Von der Leyen later emphasized that Cyprus, and by extension the EU, was not the target of the drone strike.

In a post on X, von der Leyen stated:

“The Republic of Cyprus was not the target; however, I want to be clear: we stand collectively, resolutely, and firmly with our member states in the face of any threat.”

Panic in the south of the island

Furthermore, earlier in the day, the passenger terminal at Paphos Airport was temporarily evacuated following the detection of a suspicious object on radar.

Residents of the nearby villages of Timi, Anarita, and Mandria were instructed to “avoid unnecessary movement.”

Paphos is a coastal city in southwestern Cyprus, approximately 56 kilometers from the Akrotiri base.

Cypriot media also reported smoke rising near Dhekelia, the other British airbase located on the island’s southeastern coast.