In a written and audio message released this morning, President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed that three minutes after midnight last night “an unmanned aerial vehicle of the Shahed type struck within the military installations of the British Bases in Akrotiri, causing minor material damage.”
He clarified that Cyprus is not taking part in any way in any military operations and has no intention to.
“We are located in a region of particular geopolitical instability, with many challenges and problems, currently undergoing an unprecedented crisis.
“I want to be clear: Our country is not participating in any way, nor does it intend to become part of any military operation.”
Christodoulides highlighted the humanitarian role Cyprus plays and will continue to play in the region.
“We remain committed to the humanitarian role we have fulfilled throughout this period – always as part of the solution and not the problem – and we will continue to act with the same sense of responsibility.
“We are doing what must be done, with the safety of our country and our citizens as our foremost concern,” he said.
According to the president, all the competent services of the Republic have been placed immediately on alert from the first moment and are in full operational readiness. The National Security Council was convened to assess the situation, and remains in continuous consultation.
At the same time, Christodoullides noted that he is in constant contact regarding developments with all European leaders and leaders of other states.
Commission stands with Cyprus
In a post on social media, European Commission President Ursual von der Leyen said she spoke with President Christodoulides who briefed her on the "single incident" that occurred shortly after midnight involving an unmanned aerial vehicle targeting the British base in Akrotiri.
"While the Republic of Cyprus was not the target, let me be clear: we stand collectively, firmly and unequivocally with our Member States in the face of any threat," she said.
I talked with President @christodulides who briefed me on the single incident that occurred shortly after midnight involving an unmanned aerial vehicle targeting the British base in Akrotiri.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) March 2, 2026
While the Republic of Cyprus was not the target, let me be clear: we stand…