Britain sends jets to Cyprus as 'precautionary measure'

LONDON -- Britain has sent six RAF Typhoon jets to its Akrotiri airbase in Cyprus on Thursday as a defensive and "precautionary measure," the Ministry of Defense (MOD) said.

The interceptor fast jets are being deployed to Akrotiri in Cyprus this morning as "part of ongoing contingency planning."

"This is a precautionary measure, specifically aimed at protecting UK interests and the defense of our Sovereign Base Areas at a time of heightened tension in the wider region," the MOD said in a statement.

"This is a movement of defensive assets operating in an air-to-air role only. They are not deploying to take part in any military action against Syria," it said.

British Prime Minister David Cameron said no decision has been taken on Britain's response to the situation in Syria and there will be a parliament vote before any direct military involvement.