Nicosia on the drone at the British base in Akrotiri: Limited damage, in constant coordination with Britain

In a post on the X platform, Konstantinos Letymbiotis noted that, according to information received by the Cypriot government at various levels, the incident involved an unmanned drone, which caused only “limited damage”.

“The competent authorities immediately activated the prescribed security protocols and are monitoring the situation in continuous coordination with the British government and the administration of the British bases”, he said.

The government spokesman added that more information will be provided for information, as the assessment of the situation is ongoing.

The National Security Council is in permanent session

As announced, the National Security Council is in permanent session under the President of the Republic, with the purpose of monitoring developments and coordinating the competent services.

The incident occurred during a period of intense geopolitical escalation in the region, against the backdrop of the military operation by the United States and Israel against Iran.

Announcement from the British Ministry of Defense

At the same time, the United Kingdom Ministry of Defense announced that the British army responded to an “alleged drone strike” at the RAF base in Akrotiri on the night of Sunday to Monday.

“Our armed forces are responding to an alleged drone strike at the RAF base in Akrotiri, Cyprus, which took place at midnight,” said a ministry spokesman, clarifying that this is local Cyprus time and Greek time.

So far, no casualties have been reported, while investigations and data assessment are ongoing.

Explosions at the British RAF Akrotiri air base in Limassol

Loud explosions were heard at midnight on Sunday at the British RAF Akrotiri air base in Limassol, Cyprus, following reports that the facility was likely hit by an Iranian drone, in an incident that occurred about an hour after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer gave permission for the United States to use British bases for “defensive” strikes against Iranian missile targets.

According to information from politis.com, a message received by citizens in the area states that a small drone crashed into the RAF Akrotiri airstrip and all relevant services have been mobilized. There are no injuries, but minor material damage has been reported.

“There is an ongoing security threat. Please return to your homes and remain indoors until further official notice. Move away from windows and take cover behind or under heavy, solid furniture. Please await further instructions.

A small drone has crashed into the runway at RAF Akrotiri and all relevant services have been mobilized. There are no injuries, but minor property damage has occurred. However, the incident is still ongoing. Please remain in place and await further instructions.”

Nicosia on the drone at the British base in Akrotiri: Limited damage, in constant coordination with Britain

Initial journalistic information reported that an Iranian drone crashed into the base, causing at least minor damage to the runway, while Typhoon fighter jets and other means were activated to intercept possible attacks. Unconfirmed reports on social media and articles speak of a possible Shahed 136 drone, an unmanned attack craft that has been used in recent Iranian attacks in the Middle East

Instructions to stay indoors

According to the Cyprus Mail newspaper, the base personnel were informed of the threat and were instructed to return immediately to their homes and remain indoors "until further notice". Those inside the facilities were asked to move away from windows and take cover behind or under heavy, solid furniture, awaiting further instructions.

Israel's Channel 14 reported that there was a "suspected plane crash" at the base, noting that a loud explosion was heard in the area and an alarm was raised.

Other reports, also from Israel, spoke of a drone crash.