Anger in Cyprus over UK bases as US-Israel war with Iran endangers island

A Shahed-type drone struck the UK's RAF Akrotiri air base in Cyprus on Monday, March 2, 2026, causing minor material damage to military installations. Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed the incident. The drone strike occurred near Limassol. The event follows British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's statement that the UK would assist the U.S. in the war against Iran. Despite the strike, Britain has stated it is not at war.

In March 2026, the British Royal Air Force base of Akrotiri in Cyprus was targeted in a suspected drone attack, marking the first such incident since 1986. The attack occurred after the UK Prime Minister agreed to allow the United States to use British bases to attack Iran. Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed the incident, stating that a Shahed-type drone caused minor damage to the military facilities. Authorities advised residents near the base to shelter in place following the incident. Akrotiri, a UK base since Cyprus' independence in 1960, has been used for military operations in the Middle East. The incident represents an escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Following a drone strike at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, non-essential personnel are being temporarily relocated as a precautionary measure. The incident, which occurred overnight, caused limited material damage and no casualties. Cypriot authorities identified the drone as a Shahed model. The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed the incident and stated that force protection in the region is at its highest level. The base remains operational, and other facilities on the island will continue to function normally. The incident happened hours after the UK agreed to allow the US to use British military bases to attack Iranian missile sites.

Tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated, leading to a spread of conflict into Lebanon. Israel conducted airstrikes on Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs of Beirut early Monday morning after the Iran-backed group launched missiles and drones toward Israel. These actions were reportedly in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. The Israeli military issued evacuation orders for 55 villages and towns in Lebanon, citing the presence of Hezbollah operatives and facilities. Consequently, residents are fleeing the affected areas, causing traffic congestion and displacement. Separately, the UK Ministry of Defence is responding to a suspected drone strike at its military base in Cyprus.