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United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged support for Cyprus after an Iranian drone attack targeted Royal Air Force (RAF) Akrotiri, the British sovereign base on the island.
Cyprus intercepted two drones heading for RAF Akrotiri on Monday. Monday’s drone attack came a day after a drone hit the British base overnight on Sunday.
According to Cypriot government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, the two drones were travelling toward the British base when they were intercepted.
In a post shared on X on Tuesday evening, the UK Prime Minister announced the UK’s plan to assist the island in combating security threats as the escalation in the Middle East thickens following the coordinated joint strikes launched by the United States against Iran on Saturday.
“We’re continuing our defensive operations, and I’ve just spoken with the President of Cyprus to let him know that we are sending helicopters with counter-drone capabilities and HMS Dragon is to be deployed to the region.
“We will always act in the interest of the UK and our allies.” Starmer wrote.
While addressing the UK Parliament on Monday, Starmer said the use of British bases is limited to the agreed defensive purposes, adding that the UK will not join the US and Israeli offensive strikes.
The basis of our decision is the collective self-defence of longstanding friends and allies, and the protection of British lives. It is in accordance with international law.”
