Dhekelia, Cyprus. The threat level at the British Dhekelia base area, the UK’s eastern base in Cyprus, has been assessed as “low”, chief superintendent Neil Cripps said on Monday, denying that the base was to be evacuated.
Assessment and assurances
In a message to residents of villages within the bounds of the Dhekelia base area, Cripps said he wished to offer assurances “that we currently assess the threat to eastern Cyprus to be low”.
He said UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had stated there is already a range of defence capabilities in place in the region, and that protection of the bases, local communities, and personnel has been enhanced in line with the recent threat.
Akrotiri measures and support
Cripps said there had been a “temporary removal of non-essential personnel” from the western base at Akrotiri, which had been hit by a drone shortly after midnight.
He said British authorities believe any threat will be directed at the Akrotiri air force base itself, and that base authorities will support anyone who chooses to leave the nearby Akrotiri village.
“Those who cannot move quickly or are vulnerable will receive assistance and temporarily housing solutions will be found for a short period of time,” he said.
Other locations and denial of evacuation reports
Cripps said that “in all other locations – Episkopi, Dhekelia, Ayios Nikolaos – workplaces, businesses and facilities remain open as normal, and there are no restrictions or plans for the removal of either military personnel or local residents”.
He said he was aware of false news circulating nationally and on social media regarding the evacuation of all British bases on the island, adding that those reports are “categorically untrue”.
Have you seen any official notices affecting your area within or near the British base areas in Cyprus?
