Akrotiri: A Ghost Town Amid Rising Tensions Following Drone Attacks

The Cypriot town of Akrotiri resembled a ghost town on Tuesday, with tables set in a tavern near the entrance to the Royal Air Force base, attacked by Iranian drones on Monday, appearing ready for diners but remaining firmly closed. The pizzeria, Indian restaurant, and various pubs catering to British soldiers also mirrored this eerie atmosphere. 'Most people have left,' explained the owner of a nearby café that reopened Tuesday afternoon after a hasty evacuation on Monday. The café was nearly empty, with only a couple of journalists as customers, while Andreas, the local butcher, stood firm against the evacuation orders. 'Am I going to spend two days in a hotel? No way. What's meant to be will be,' he remarked from his shop, devoid of customers. In response to the drone attacks, Greece, France, and the United Kingdom mobilized to send reinforcements to Cyprus, an EU member state. Iranian drones targeted one of two military bases in the region that have played crucial roles in previous British military operations in the Middle East. Initial reports indicated that an Iranian-made Shahed drone, fired allegedly from Lebanon, crashed on one of the runways at the Akrotiri airbase early Monday, resulting in no injuries and only minor damage. Several other drones were intercepted throughout the day, adding to the growing tension. Villages surrounding the airport underwent temporary evacuations, with residents of Akrotiri advised to leave. The Home Office confirmed that the evacuation order would remain in place until Friday, when the situation would be reassessed. Akrotiri is not merely a military installation; it, along with Dhekelia base in eastern Cyprus, occupies nearly three percent of the island's surface area. Both bases are regarded by London as British Overseas Territories, a claim that the Republic of Cyprus disputes. Tasos, a farmer in a nearby village, explained the area's complex territorial dynamics: 'Look at the end of the street; it’s the United Kingdom, and up the street too; this is Cyprus. Half the town is British and the other half Cypriot, although here we are all Cypriots, that is Europeans.' Although classes have been suspended in some areas, the Cypriot government has issued safety recommendations, urging residents to prepare emergency kits with essential supplies that can be easily transported. The Ministry of Education has communicated protocols to schools, prompting criticism from local media for potentially inciting panic among the population. Despite the backdrop of anxiety, Tuesday passed without further incidents, but air raid sirens sounded briefly in the morning, later deemed a false alarm. The day saw normal vehicle traffic, and no fighter jets were deployed in the skies. However, a military transport aircraft did land at RAF Akrotiri and departed later, followed by the roar of F35 and Eurofighter Typhoon jets, reportedly sent to intercept Iranian drones targeting Jordan. In a show of solidarity, the UK government announced the deployment of the destroyer HMS Dragon, alongside two helicopters equipped with missile systems for drone defense at Akrotiri. Prime Minister Keir Starmer clarified that the British base is not being used by the United States for attacks on Iran. The Iranian Embassy in Nicosia, while not confirming its involvement in the drone attacks, stated that relations with Cyprus remain cordial, emphasizing the defensive nature of Iran’s actions. Countries that have rallied support for Cyprus include Greece and France, with the latter sending its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle, and additional fighter jets. In light of recent tensions, the Greek Defense Minister visited the region to bolster support. Cyprus's President Nikos Christodoulides requested backup from France, Germany, and Italy, with Paris committing to provide a frigate and assistance against drone threats. Two Greek frigates, equipped with drone neutralization systems, are set to reach Cypriot shores soon, one notably named after Cimon, an ancient Athenian general who once fought against the Persians in Cyprus. As residents of Akrotiri navigate the uncertainties and fear that accompany these recent developments, the impact of geopolitical tensions is palpable, reshaping not only the town's atmosphere but also its everyday life. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2