Residents and tourists were instructed to evacuate immediately from a well-known airport hub. Paphos International Airport in Cyprus was compelled to undergo a swift and complete evacuation due to the detection of an unidentified drone breaching the restricted airspace. This directive came following the cessation of all flights to Cyprus for British travelers by easyJet after a drone attack targeted an RAF base on the Mediterranean island.
The US embassy in Cyprus issued a warning about a potential drone threat in the Paphos region, advising individuals to avoid the embassy unless faced with an emergency. US citizens in Cyprus were urged to remain vigilant and ensure their safety.
UK officials reported that RAF Akrotiri had been struck by a drone attack, with uncertainties regarding the origin of the device, whether it was launched directly from Iran or by Tehran-affiliated groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon.
In response to the situation, easyJet announced the cancellation of three return flights between Paphos and Larnaca as a precautionary measure. While flights scheduled for March 3 were operating as planned, passengers were advised to stay updated through the airline’s flight tracker.
Amidst the unfolding events, British Labour Party leader Keir Starmer disclosed that British bases would be used by American forces to target Iranian missile sites in retaliation to Tehran’s actions across the Middle East. Approximately 300,000 Britons in affected regions were being monitored, with preparations, including the possibility of a mass evacuation, under consideration.
The Ministry of Defence assured the safety of personnel and families at RAF Akrotiri, relocating them to nearby accommodations as a precautionary step. Sir Keir emphasized that British forces would not directly participate in the strikes, emphasizing the defensive nature of the mission against missile threats targeting neighboring countries.
The decision to grant access to British bases was made to prevent Iran from endangering civilians, British nationals, and uninvolved countries through missile attacks.
