Akrotiri, Cyprus. Two unmanned drones fired toward the United Kingdom’s Akrotiri air force base in Cyprus were dealt with in a timely manner, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Monday afternoon. The incidents followed an overnight drone impact on the base’s runway and a second security threat declared shortly after midday.
Second security threat and evacuation
A second security threat was declared at the United Kingdom’s Akrotiri air force base shortly after midday on Monday, and the village of Akrotiri was evacuated.
A source from the interior ministry said that because the British bases’ authorities elected to evacuate the air force base, the Cypriot government instructed that the village of Akrotiri also be evacuated.
Other villages within the Akrotiri base area were not evacuated.
Reports involving Dhekelia base and embassy alarms
Unconfirmed reports suggested that the Dhekelia base in the east of the island was also evacuated.
Alarms were heard at the United States’ embassy in Nicosia, and it was believed the alarms may have been related to the firing of the drones.
Instructions to base personnel
Sources said personnel at the base were told of the threat and instructed to return to their homes and stay inside until further notice.
They were also told to move away from windows, take cover behind or beneath substantial, solid furniture, and await further instruction.
Overnight drone impact on runway
The runway at Akrotiri was hit by a drone shortly after midnight, and personnel were informed at 1.18am that a small drone had impacted the airfield.
It was confirmed there were no casualties, but minor damage was caused.
What impact do you think the repeated security threats could have on daily life in the Akrotiri area?