Nicosia, Cyprus. Two Iranian missiles were fired in the direction of Cyprus and were intercepted, British Defence Secretary John Healey said on Sunday. The island is home to two British military bases.
Missiles and UK bases
Healey said it was not yet clear whether the missiles were deliberately targeting UK facilities on the island. “We are not sure if they were intentionally aimed at our bases,” he said.
Regional concerns and UK personnel
Healey said 300 British personnel were near targets in Bahrain and warned of wider regional fallout after US-Israel strikes. Speaking to Sky News, he added: “Few people will mourn the Ayatollah’s death.” He said his greater concern was the potential fallout from the strikes on Iran and the risk of wider regional escalation.
UK government response
The British government has confirmed Britain was not involved in the US-Israeli operation. On Saturday Prime Minister Keir Starmer chaired meetings of the Cobra emergency committee and urged British nationals in affected areas to follow official travel advice.
Alert status in Cyprus
UK forces in Cyprus remain on heightened alert.
How do you think the heightened alert status in Cyprus could affect daily operations at the British bases?