John Healey, the UK defence secretary, was greeted by a member of the Cypriot armed forces in Nicosia during a high-stakes visit to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. The base, located just 200 miles across the eastern Mediterranean from the war zone, has been on high alert following a recent drone strike, with sirens blaring multiple times a day as a stark reminder of its vulnerability.
Sirens Sound During Cobra Meeting
As Healey sat down in a secure room on the base for a Cobra meeting with the prime minister and cabinet, a siren warned of a potential ballistic missile launch from Iran. This was the second alert of the day, a sound that has driven many local residents to flee the area in fear. When the siren sounds, officers and soldiers don body armour and helmets, lying on the ground for safety. Healey, however, simply muted his video briefing, later explaining, "The general advice is just to move away from windows." He added, "I was already in a windowless room. But it's a reminder of the increasingly indiscriminate threat that Iran poses."
Local Impact and Evacuations
The base, typically a hive of activity with 4,000 people including military personnel, teachers, chefs, and families, has seen significant disruptions. Families have been evacuated to temporary accommodation in Paphos, and stores have closed as the base remains on its highest alert. In one room, journalists observed children's drawings on large sheets of paper, left behind by families waiting to be evacuated after a drone evaded defence systems on Sunday night.
The drone, believed to be fired by the pro-Iranian militia Hezbollah from Lebanon, struck a hangar housing American U-2 spy planes, indicating a deliberate target. Although small—about the size of a Labrador puppy—it left a 3ft hole and could have caused casualties if it had hit a populated area.
Defence Upgrades and International Support
Healey and the UK government have faced questions from Cypriot officials about the base's defences. In response, two Wildcat helicopters are set to arrive overnight, equipped with more sophisticated air defence and detection systems to better spot slow-moving drones. Additionally, warships from France and Greece are already present or en route, with a British ship expected next week to bolster air defences.
Despite these measures, there is no clear collaboration or command structure yet, which remains a focus for base leadership. Healey has spent recent days soothing nerves with the Cypriot government, though local protests have emerged against the British presence.
False Alarms and Ongoing Tensions
As Healey concluded his visit, sirens sounded again, prompting a convoy to speed away and troops to take cover. Once more, it was a false alarm, with military intelligence confirming the missile trajectory was not toward the base. Officials note that given one drone evaded detection, they prefer to err on the side of caution, leading to frequent false positives. However, the constant sirens reinforce the perception among Cypriots living nearby that the war is dangerously close to home.
Looking up at the night sky, one can see the pinprick lights of missiles over Israel, underscoring the base's precarious position. With the military presence in Cyprus set to increase, the situation remains tense, balancing defence preparedness with local safety concerns.
