Europe strengthens Cyprus' defence after drone attack – island emphasises neutrality in Middle East conflict
Europe strengthens Cyprus' defence after drone attack – island emphasises neutrality in Middle East conflict
After a drone attack on military facilities in Cyprus, several European states have increased their military presence around the island. The background is the growing tensions in the Middle East as well as possible retaliatory actions by Iran and allied groups.
At an event in Hamburg, the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, spoke of a "clear sign of European solidarity". The rapid support from Greece, France, Italy and Spain shows that Europe is able to stand up together for the security of a member state.
Costa also warned against a further escalation of the situation in the Middle East. Retaliatory attacks by Iran or allied militias could destabilize international security and exacerbate the situation far beyond the region. He called on all parties involved to exercise the greatest possible restraint.
Drone attack on British base
The current security measures were triggered by an incident at the beginning of the week. In the early hours of the morning, a suspected Iranian Shahed drone hit military facilities at the British base RAF Akrotiri. According to official figures, the damage remained minor, but the attack nevertheless triggered extensive security measures.
According to security circles, the drone is said to be connected to Hezbollah, which operates in Lebanon.
Military support from Europe
In response to the attack, several European states sent military units to support Cyprus.
Greece was among the first countries to react. Athens stationed four F-16 fighter jets at the air base in Paphos and also sent two frigates – the Kimon and the Psara – to the waters off Cyprus. Both ships are equipped with modern anti-drone systems and are currently conducting patrols in the sea area around the island.
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Other European countries are also participating in the security operation:
- France sent the frigate Languedoc and the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the region.
- Italy announced the dispatch of the frigate Federico Martinengo.
- Spain is participating with the frigate Cristobal Colon.
- Britain strengthened its presence with two AW159 Wildcat helicopters, which can be used specifically to defend against drones. In addition, the destroyer HMS Dragon will be transferred to the region.
The British helicopters have now arrived at the Akrotiri base and are to be integrated into an extended air defense network together with the systems of other allies.
Cyprus stresses: No participation in military actions
Despite the increased military presence, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides stressed that Cyprus is not involved in military operations.
All measures taken by the government were aimed exclusively at protecting the population and the security of the country. At the same time, Cyprus is working closely with European partners and other states to be prepared for possible developments.
The president also underlined the island's role as a stable factor in the region. Several countries have already asked whether Cyprus could be used as a transit point for evacuations of their citizens in the event of a crisis.
Further military movements in the region
Parallel to the European reinforcements, new military activities are also reported from the north of the island. According to media reports, Turkey plans to station four F-16 fighter jets at Ercan Airport in northern Cyprus.
The move comes in an environment of growing military presence of various states around the island.
Cyprus as a security policy hotspot
The current developments show how strongly Cyprus is involved in security tensions in the eastern Mediterranean due to its geographical location. At the same time, both Nicosia and European partners stress that the island should continue to act as an anchor of stability in an increasingly tense region.
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Author: Tom Weyermann / Editorial Team
Source: REUTERS / Cyprus-Mail.com / philenews-in.cy
