Cyprus’ foreign minister told Sky News that British bases were the target of a military operation, as he expressed his “dissatisfaction” with the UK’s response to the Iran war.
The country’s Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos welcomed the deployment of additional UK troops but said the deployment of assets to the country was coming “primarily from the EU”.
Follow the latest Iran
Support from Greece, France and Spain was highlighted by Mr Kombos in an interview with Sky News, who described how the country was “creating a collective shield”.
UK Defense Secretary John Healy visited RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus on Thursday
“The UK has deployed its own forces; we are waiting for them to be integrated into the system,” he said.
He reminded the British government of its “responsibilities in respect of its bases”, stressing that it was not targeting Cyprus, but British bases on the island.
“Right now, it’s important that we get out of this crisis.
“Once this crisis is over, hopefully we will be able to reflect … and see what happened and what could have happened,” Mr. Kombos said.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told Sky News’ Mornings with Ridge and Frost on Monday. RAF base Akrotiri in Cyprus was hit One-way attack by drone.
Mr Kombos said the strike hit the airport’s runway, causing “no real damage”.
RAF Akrotiri, a British sovereign base in Cyprus hit by a drone. Image: Reuters
Read more from:
A Royal Navy destroyer arrives late in Cyprus
Israeli rhetoric in Beirut raises fears of all-out war
On Thursday, British Prime Minister Keir Stormer Defended the UK’s military response Before and after US and Israeli airstrikes against Iran He killed the leader of the country.
Six RAF F35 jets were dispatched Before the war began strengthening the eight Typhoons permanently stationed in Cyprus.
Since then, ground-based, short-range air defenses have also been deployed and Wildcat helicopters capable of tracking drones are due to arrive in Cyprus over the weekend.
The UK is deploying HMS Dragon, a Type 45 air defense destroyer, to Cyprus. It won’t hit the area until next week.
Mr Stormer announced on Thursday that four additional Typhoons would be deployed to Qatar as strikes against Iran by US and Israeli forces continued.
