Strong explosions were reported around midnight on Sunday at the British Royal Air Force (RAF) Akrotiri base near Limassol, Cyprus.
Initial reports indicate that the base may have been struck by a small Iranian drone, causing limited material damage but no injuries.
The incident occurred approximately one hour after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorised the United States to use British bases for “defensive” strikes against Iranian missile targets. Following the explosions, the base issued warnings to staff and local residents, instructing them to remain indoors and take cover away from windows.
Two Eurofighter Typhoon jets and an Airbus KC2 Voyager refuelling aircraft were reportedly scrambled to intercept any potential further threats. Unconfirmed social media reports suggest the drone may have been a Shahed 136, a type of unmanned Iranian attack aircraft previously used in Middle Eastern operations.
Cypriot authorities confirmed that all emergency services were mobilised, and the RAF base suffered only minor damage on its runway. The Cyprus National Guard’s air defence systems reportedly detected no incoming missiles, and Israeli military sources also denied any threat to Cyprus from Iranian projectiles.
The situation remains under investigation, and local residents have been urged to follow further official instructions. No casualties have been reported, and the incident highlights ongoing regional tensions linked to recent military authorisations.
