Drones attack UK base in Cyprus as president maintains neutral stance

NICOSIA -- Two drones flying toward Cyprus, possibly targeting the RAF (Royal Air Force) base at Akrotiri in the southern part of Cyprus island, were intercepted on Monday, the Cypriot government said.

Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said that three British aircraft scrambled from the base at noon and "dealt with" the incoming drones in a timely manner. The incident marked a second attack within hours, after a drone struck the runway shortly after midnight, causing minor damage but no casualties.

Sirens sounded before the latest interception, indicating that incoming objects had been detected by radar. Base authorities ordered non-essential personnel to leave and instructed residents of the nearby Akrotiri village on the southern coast of the island to evacuate.

Local media reported that Paphos International Airport, situated on the western part of Cyprus island, about 70 km northwest of Akrotiri, was temporarily evacuated after radar detected a suspicious object heading toward the facility, which also serves military purposes. Airport operations later resumed. About 60 flights to Cyprus, mostly from European countries, were canceled on Monday.

British authorities are investigating the overnight strike. Some reports suggested that multiple drones may have been launched from Lebanon, about 150 km to the east, though officials declined to confirm their origin.

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said that Cyprus is not and will not become involved in military operations against Iran. He discussed the incident with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who described it as a matter of serious concern for European security and reaffirmed the EU's support for its member states.

Cyprus, which currently holds the rotating EU presidency, postponed an informal EU foreign ministers' meeting that had been scheduled for Monday.