UK Cyprus base plans ‘dispersal’ of non-essential staff after drone strike

The British bases’ authorities on Monday said it is planning a “temporary dispersal” of non-essential staff at the Akrotiri air force base after the base was hit by a drone at around midnight.

They said this was being done “as a precautionary measure”, before urging calm among local residents.

“We understand in the wider British bases community that people are concerned and that some residents have decided to leave Akrotiri village. Whilst we appreciate people may be worried, we do not believe this is necessary and [the] temporary dispersal only applies to the RAF Akrotiri station,” they said.

They added that all other British stations on Cyprus “will remain open as normal”.

Personnel on the British bases had been informed shortly after 1am that a “small drone” had “impacted the airfield” and that the bases’ authorities were responding.

It was also confirmed that there were no casualties as a result of the strike, but that “minor damage” had been caused.

The bases’ authorities also instructed personnel to “remain in place and await further instruction”, warning that “there may be additional impact”, with the explosion and siren sounds having been heard in nearby Limassol.