Akrotiri, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides said on Monday that Cypriot forces are not participating in any military action in the widening Middle East conflict after a drone struck the British air force base at Akrotiri around midnight. He said Cyprus would continue its humanitarian role, with national security and citizen safety as the primary concern.
Christodoulides says Cyprus will not join military operations
In a televised address, Christodoulides said, “I want to be clear: our homeland is not participating in any way, and do not intend to be part of any military operation.” He said Cyprus remains committed to its humanitarian role and would continue to act “as part of the solution, and not of the problem.”
He added that his government would “continue to operate with the same responsibility” regarding the conflict, saying, “We are doing what we must, with the security of our country and of its citizens as our primary concern.”
Drone identified and services placed on alert
Christodoulides confirmed the drone was a Shahed-type unmanned combat aerial vehicle, and said that after the strike “all the competent services of the republic have been on alert and in full operational readiness.”
He said he was in constant contact with European leaders and leaders of other states, adding that the region faces “particular geopolitical instability” and “an unprecedented crisis.”
National security council in continuous consultation
Christodoulides said the national security council is in “continuous consultation.” Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said earlier that it had been convened shortly after the drone strike and that it met at 8.30am.
British base reports no casualties and minor damage
Personnel on the British bases were informed shortly after 1am that a “small drone” had “impacted the airfield” and that base authorities were responding. It was confirmed there were no casualties, but “minor damage” was caused.
What impact could the drone strike have on Cyprus’ security posture in the region?
