Suspected drone attack at RAF Akrotiri triggers security response, no casualties reported
British forces responded to an “alleged drone strike” at the RAF base in Akrotiri, Cyprus, around midnight on the night of Sunday into Monday, the UK Ministry of Defence said, against the backdrop of the US and Israeli military operation against Iran.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said the armed forces were responding to the reported incident at RAF Akrotiri, adding that no casualties have been reported.
Cyprus government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said in a post on X that the incident involved an unmanned drone and caused only limited damage. He added that the competent authorities immediately activated the prescribed security protocols and are monitoring the situation in continuous coordination with the British Government and the administration of the British Bases.
Regarding the incident that occurred shortly after midnight at the Akrotiri Base, information received through various channels indicates that it involved an unmanned drone, which caused limited damage.
— Λετυμπιώτης Κων/νος (@letymbiotis) March 2, 2026
The competent authorities immediately activated the prescribed security…
Letymbiotis also said the National Security Council is in continuous session under the President of the Republic, and that further information would be provided as updates become available.
In a separate statement, the British Bases Administration advised residents of Akrotiri village to remain in a safe place until further notice. It said the force protection level in the area is at the highest level, that the base has responded to defend its people, and that the situation remains ongoing, with more information to follow in due course.
The Administration of the Sovereign Base Areas later announced that, as a precautionary measure, a temporary removal of non-essential personnel based at RAF Akrotiri is being planned. It said it understands there are concerns in the wider British Bases community and that some residents have decided to leave Akrotiri village, but added it does not consider this necessary, stressing that the temporary removal applies only to RAF Akrotiri.
It added that at other locations: Episkopi, Dhekelia and Ayios Nikolaos, workplaces, businesses and facilities will remain open as normal and there are no restrictions in force.
Reports also said the British Bases at Akrotiri were placed on full alert after midnight following an explosion on the runway, believed to have been caused by the fall of a military drone. Residents of Akrotiri left their homes, with some spending the night at the Limassol Recruit Training Centre (KEN Limassol), following instructions from the President of the Republic, according to Kourion mayor Pantelis Georgiou, who spoke to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).
A local resident told CNA an explosion was heard, followed by aircraft taking off from the British Bases, while the Bases Police cut off roads leading towards Akrotiri. Georgiou said he went to the community to brief residents about the availability of KEN Limassol for those who wished to leave their homes. He added that the President, Nikos Christodoulides, was informed from the first moment and issued relevant instructions.
Also read: The President spoke with Starmer — “Cyprus was not the target of missiles”
Photo source: Reuters
