Cyprus remains on alert due to the war between the United States and Israel with Iran.
Shortly before 10:00 in the morning today, the sirens sounded again, putting Akrotiri on alert, which, however, ended a few minutes later. Yesterday they sounded three times, however no threat was detected, according to official information from the Government. So far, three drone attacks have been announced, one of which was successful after hitting the British Base in Akrotiri.
In the meantime, the defense of the Republic of Cyprus continues to be strengthened by military forces sent by European countries, after the very important help of Greece with four F-16s and two frigates.
Minute by minute developments
11:37 – President Christodoulidis: Our country does not engage in offensive and military operations
In his statements outside the offices of the HIO, the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, stated the following:
- The Cabinet and the state machine are on alert. Sobriety and composure are needed with faithful adherence to the instructions. Our country in no way enters into aggressive and military operations. We have always been part of the solution.
- The sms was a trial, we are working with the providers to address the problems. New announcements on the matter are expected this afternoon.
- I am not interested in Turkey's reactions and what Turkey will say. What interests me is the security of the Cypriot people, nothing else interests me.
- As long as it takes, we will be on full alert to deal with the situation. Travel advice is expected.
- So far, the incidents we have had have involved the British Bases. It is important to project the real picture.
- Nothing is excluded, the possibility of raising the issue of the Bases is open
11:27 – Military pickup vehicle enters British Bases
11:26 – Testimonies of Akrotiri residents to filenews: "We live with the anxiety of when we will return - We have children, we want security to return"
The residents of Akrotiri who are accommodated in hotels in Limassol have been experiencing anxiety and uncertainty in recent days, waiting for the moment when they will be able to return to their homes.
As they report to the filenews camera, their thoughts are constantly on when the "green light" will be given for return, but also on whether it will be safe to return to their community.
11:00 – EU meetings scheduled in March will be held online or rescheduled
All European Union meetings scheduled to take place in the country in March, as part of the Cyprus Presidency, will either be held online or rescheduled, due to the crisis that has arisen in the region with Iran, a Cypriot official told Reuters.
10:53 – British DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER: Legal basis for RAF strikes on Iranian missile bases
British Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lamy said there was a legal basis for British Air Force (RAF) strikes from Akrotiri in Limassol against Iranian missile installations as long as they were used for attacks on British interests in the Middle East.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Lammy said that RAF F-35 and Typhoon fighters were already operating in the area, shooting down missiles and drones launched by Iran against British allies. He clarified, however, that so far the operations have been limited to defense missions, but stressed that there is the possibility of more direct action against Iranian bases from which attacks are launched.
10:46 – KOMBOS: We won't see the end of the conflict anytime soon
"The forecast is not pleasant, I don't think we can see the end of the conflict in the very near future," Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos told the British channel "Sky News".
He added that, on the contrary, the conflict is intensifying and therefore shows no signs of improving the situation.
