British Royal Air Force RAF Akrotiri airbase in Cyprus was attacked by drones on the night of March 1, causing minor damage and no casualties, according to Cypriot officials and the British Ministry of Defense.
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said a Shahed UAV manufactured by Iran caused minor material damage. He affirmed that Cyprus did not participate and had no intention of participating in any military operation, and was in regular contact with European leaders and other partners.
Previous sources said that the base was targeted by two UAVs, one of which was intercepted. The British base issued a security warning, advising people around the area to shelter on the spot until further notice after "a suspected UAV collision".
The British Ministry of Defense said that the protection force in the area has been raised to the highest level and the base has responded to protect personnel. British Defense Secretary John Healey said 2 Iranian missiles were launched towards Cyprus but "do not believe they were aimed at Cyprus".
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that he would allow the US to use British military bases to carry out "defensive" attacks on Iranian missile systems, amid the ongoing bombing campaigns by the US and Israel and Iran's retaliatory moves. He emphasized that Britain would not participate in airstrikes that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and would not participate in subsequent attacks.
According to Mr. Starmer, Iran is still attacking British interests and posing a major risk to its citizens, as Iranian missiles hit airports and hotels where British people are staying. He said at least 200,000 British citizens are in the area, including residents, tourists and transit.
The British government recommends that citizens in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Israel and Palestinian territories register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. British media reports that more than 94,000 people have registered, mostly in the United Arab Emirates.
Britain is also said to be preparing a plan to evacuate citizens from the Middle East if airspace in the region continues to be closed, including considering evacuation from Saudi Arabia.
