Drones targeting British base in Cyprus likely launched from Lebanon

Monday 02 - 21:33

Two drones that targeted the British RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus were reportedly launched from neighboring Lebanon, most likely by Hezbollah, according to a Cypriot government source. One of the drones struck a runway, while both were eventually neutralized.

The government source confirmed that the drones originated in Lebanon. When asked if the Iranian-backed group had launched them, the source replied “very likely.” Initial reports had suggested that Iran was directly behind the strikes, but Cypriot officials indicated that all evidence points to Hezbollah involvement.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun contacted his Cypriot counterpart, Nikos Christodoulides, to condemn the attack and reaffirm Lebanon’s solidarity with Cyprus. Following the drone strikes, the base was evacuated after sirens sounded, with approximately 70 vehicles leaving the area along the southern coast of the Mediterranean island.

The incident follows previous threats. In June 2024, Hassan Nasrallah, former Hezbollah secretary-general, warned that allowing Cypriot airports and bases to be used by Israel against Lebanon could make Cyprus a participant in regional conflict. He also cited reports of Israeli soldiers training on the island, whose geography resembles southern Lebanon.