‘Security threat’ briefly declared at Akrotiri 

A “security threat” was briefly declared at the United Kingdom’s Akrotiri air force base in Cyprus on Tuesday morning, though the threat swiftly passed, the Cyprus Mail has learned.

Shortly before 8am, personnel at the base were informed for the third time since Sunday night of an “ongoing security threat” and instructed to “return to your homes and stay inside until further notice”.

They were also told to “move away from windows and take cover behind or beneath substantial, solid furniture”, and to await further instruction.

However, a little over ten minutes later, they were then informed that “an aerial threat to the sovereign base areas is no longer expected”.

As such, they were told that the base is operating at “a reduced air raid warning” and that the bases’ authorities will “continue to monitor threats”.

Tuesday morning’s of a “security threat” is the third to have been announced since Saturday night, with the runway at the Akrotiri aerodrome having been hit by a drone shortly after midnight on Monday.

Bases personnel were then informed at 1.18am on Monday that a “small drone” had “impacted the airfield”.

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

Later, at around midday on Monday, another “security threat” was declared, and the village of Akrotiri was evacuated, alongside the civilian Paphos airport, while residents of villages near Paphos airport were instructed to avoid unnecessary movements.

It was confirmed on Monday afternoon that two drones had been fired in the direction of Cyprus, and that they had been “dealt with in a timely manner”. 

Since then, four Greek F-16 fighter jets have been repositioned to Paphos airport, with the Greek navy having also deployed two frigates, including one which is armed with the Centauros anti-drone system, to Cypriot waters.

More to follow…