Cyprus says it faces no direct threat from Iran

Cyprus Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas said Thursday that the eastern Mediterranean island nation is not facing any direct threat from Iran, noting that recent drone incidents were directed at a British military facility rather than the Cypriot territory.



The Royal Air Force at Akrotiri, located near the southern port city of Limassol, has been reportedly targeted several times by unmanned aerial vehicles believed to have been launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon.



According to the minister, four drones have been intercepted so far and one drone managed to penetrate defenses earlier, causing minor damage to a parking area within the base.



Although authorities believe the drones were aimed specifically at the British base, precautionary measures have been taken. A nearby village with around 1,200 residents, located only a few hundred meters from the runway and other facilities, has been evacuated. Schools in several other villages near the base area have also suspended classes for at least the remainder of the week.