Cyprus authorities heightened security measures on Monday after a drone strike targeted the British sovereign base at RAF Akrotiri, raising concerns about the potential spillover of the Middle East conflict to the island.
Civil Protection and Civil Defense authorities issued public advisories urging residents to remain alert and provided guidance on emergency shelters and evacuation protocols. The Ministry of Interior shared instructions on emergency kits, including essentials such as water, cash, and whistles, as a precautionary measure.
The roughly 1,000 residents of Akrotiri were affected directly, with mandatory evacuation orders directing people to designated shelters, including schools and nearby monasteries. Some evacuees were accommodated with friends, relatives, and hotels in Limassol. The authorities said two drones reportedly launched by Hezbollah from positions near Beirut were intercepted before reaching the base.
“The ongoing security threat requires residents to follow official guidance. We call on citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity,” a government statement said.
Cyprus’ government emphasized that the country itself was not the target of attacks. President Nikos Christodoulides has engaged with French, German, and British officials, resulting in the deployment of missile batteries, warships, and counter-drone systems to the island. Border controls were strengthened to prevent unauthorized crossings from Turkish-occupied areas.
Separately, the U.S. State Department authorized non-emergency personnel and family members in Cyprus to leave the country, citing safety concerns, and raised its travel advisory to Level 3, urging travelers to use Larnaca and Paphos airports or ports.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described Greece’s military deployment to Cyprus as defensive and peaceful, aimed at protecting the independent state while ensuring regional stability. Speaking in parliament, he stressed Greece’s support for de-escalation and diplomacy in the Middle East, and the need to monitor Iran’s nuclear and ballistic programs.
Meanwhile, Greece successfully evacuated 162 citizens from the region in coordinated operations, including flights from Oman and land transfers from Bethlehem to Egypt. Greek consular services continue to monitor and assist nationals affected by the ongoing conflict.