Video footage released on the morning of Monday, March 2, shows numerous objects in the skies over the RAF Akrotiri base during the night attack.
This is the first confirmed direct attack on British military forces and European territory as the conflict between America and Iran escalates.
According to the Kitasweather Meteorological Centre, surveillance cameras from the Pissouri area recorded four separate incidents between 20:59 and 5:15. The center said in a statement that “hovering objects, possibly drones or missiles,” were observed over the base overnight. Some of them were apparently intercepted, others fell to the ground.
The President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, confirmed that the strike was carried out by a Shahed-type unmanned vehicle on a military facility in the Limassol area, where the Akrotiri base is located.
The UK Ministry of Defense announced the decision to evacuate military families from the base to alternative accommodation sites in Cyprus. The official statement stressed that the safety of staff and their loved ones is an absolute priority.
The British side is also considering various scenarios for the protection of its citizens in the Persian Gulf region. London estimates that around 300,000 Britons are in countries hit by Iran's retaliatory strikes.
The Cyprus Ministry of Interior has activated civil defense units and opened temporary shelters in Limassol. Residents are advised to monitor official messages: in the event of further attacks, warning sirens may be activated.
Source: in-cyprus.philenews.com
