The UK Foreign Office has updated its travel guidance for Cyprus following drone strikes on RAF Akrotiri, warning British nationals of a heightened risk of regional tension during the US-led war against Iran.
“There is a heightened risk of regional tension. Escalation could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts. British nationals should take sensible precautions, considering their own individual circumstances,” the updated guidance warns.
The Foreign Office maintains there remains an ongoing risk in Cyprus, urging British nationals to exercise “sensible precautions” whilst in the country.
Recommended safety measures include consulting government guidance regarding overseas crises, registering for FCDO travel advisory email notifications, keeping abreast of domestic and international news coverage, and subscribing to additional local information services.
The Foreign Office has additionally issued guidance “against all but essential travel” to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE, urging British nationals in these countries, along with Palestine and Israel, to “shelter in place” and “register your presence” with the UK Foreign Office.
The FCDO has also recommended against all travel to areas within 10km of Turkey’s Syrian border owing to “fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism”.
The strikes came after US-Israeli forces conducted strikes against Iran on Saturday, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Tehran responded with retaliatory missiles targeting American air bases in Dubai, Kuwait, Bahrain and Cyprus.
The UK Ministry of Defence is evacuating military families from RAF Akrotiri to alternative accommodation in Cyprus following the strikes. “The safety of our personnel and their families is our absolute priority,” the ministry said.
President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed that a Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicle struck military facilities at the British Bases at Akrotiri at 12.03am, causing minor material damage, and declared that Cyprus will not be part of any military operation.
The Cyprus Interior Ministry activated Civil Defence forces and opened emergency shelters in Limassol, warning residents that sirens may sound if further attacks occur.
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