A dramatic development unfolded around midnight yesterday at the RAF Akrotiri base, following what has now been confirmed as a drone attack, amid escalating tensions in the US–Israel conflict with Iran.

According to the British Ministry of Defence, UK Armed Forces are “responding to a suspected drone attack on RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus around midnight.” The protection force in the area was placed on the highest alert level, while the base “responded to protect personnel.”

Explosions were heard within the base, with reports indicating that military personnel were instructed to move away from windows and take cover behind solid, reinforced structures. No injuries have been reported.

Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, three hours after the incident, confirmed that an unmanned drone caused limited damage, noting that established security protocols were immediately activated. He stated that the National Security Council was in continuous session under the President of the Republic.

In a statement, the British Bases called on residents of Akrotiri village to remain in their homes until further notice, describing the situation as “ongoing.” At approximately 03:30, a source said that the alert level had been downgraded from “Red” to “Yellow,” and the sirens ceased, indicating partial de-escalation.

From the first minutes after the incident, increased aerial activity was recorded south of Cyprus. Data from public flight-tracking platforms showed:

• Circular flight patterns of Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 jets departing from Akrotiri.

• The presence of an Airbus Voyager KC2 aerial refuelling tanker, which took off from the base shortly after 00:45 and conducted prolonged holding patterns over the maritime area south of the island, at least until 04:15 in the morning.

The incident occurred during the third 24-hour period of the conflict that erupted on Saturday following joint US and Israeli strikes against Iran and the reported death of Ali Khamenei.

Hours before the incident, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the United Kingdom had permitted the United States to use selected British bases, including those in Cyprus, for strikes against Iranian missile facilities.

At the same time, unconfirmed reports circulated suggesting that the drone may have originated from Lebanon, with speculation regarding possible involvement of Hezbollah. As of now, there is no official confirmation regarding the origin of the unmanned aircraft.

Based on official statements:

• A small drone strike inside RAF Akrotiri has been confirmed.

• Damage was caused.

• No injuries have been reported.

• The alert level was reduced from “Red” to “Yellow.”

• The origin of the drone has not been confirmed.