UK says missiles fired toward Cyprus, yet officials and eyewitness deny island targeted

By Efe Ozkan and Gizem Nisa Demir

ISTANBUL (AA) - UK Defense Secretary John Healey claimed that two missiles were fired toward the British base in Cyprus, though both the Greek Cypriot Administration and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) denied the island was targeted.

“Yesterday, we had two missiles fired in the direction of Cyprus,” said Healey, speaking to both Sky News and the BBC on Sunday, adding he did not believe they were specifically targeting Cyprus.

The missiles were intercepted by Israel as they crossed its airspace, local media reported.

Videos showing an explosion at the RAF Akrotiri Air Base in Cyprus also emerged on social media, though no injuries have been reported.

A witness speaking to Anadolu said that no hits had been observed so far.

“Two missiles were fired at British bases but were intercepted by air defense systems. There is a continuous drone attack, but I believe there have been no hits,” a local resident told Anadolu.

The Greek Cypriot Administration, a European Union member, hosts two British military bases – one near Limassol and another near Larnaca on the southern coast of the island. They are considered UK territory, retained by London following Cyprus’ independence in 1960.

“But nevertheless, it's an example of how there is a very real and rising threat from a regime that is lashing out widely across the region, and that requires us to act,” he added, referring to Iran.

-Cyprus denies being targeted

Meanwhile, a “security threat” has been declared on both British bases on the island, RAF Akrotiri and Dhekelia, according to the Cyprus Mail.

Personnel were instructed to “return to your homes and stay inside until further notice,” move away from windows, take cover behind or beneath substantial, solid furniture and await further instructions.

However, Greek Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said on social media that he spoke with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who confirmed “clearly and unequivocally” that Cyprus was not a target.

“There is no indication that there was a threat to the country,” said Greek Cypriot government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis.

TRNC President Tufan Erhurman also dismissed the reports.

“Making statements without fully confirming any news at a time like this is extremely risky. The information confirmed at the highest level by our military authorities is that reports of ‘two missiles being launched from Iran towards the island’ are false. We are in constant contact with our military authorities. We will share confirmed, accurate information with our people,” he said on Facebook.

-‘Defensive’ operations

The revelations come after Starmer said the UK had deployed “planes in the sky” over the Middle East to protect allies. He confirmed that the UK would allow US forces to use its bases for a “specific and limited defensive purpose” amid escalating Iranian missile attacks.

“But Iran is pursuing a scorched earth strategy,” Starmer said. “We are supporting collective self-defense because that is our duty to the British people. It’s the best way to counter the threat and prevent further escalation.”

Healey urged Iran to halt missile strikes, “step back from uncontrolled attacks in the region” and “give up its weapons programs.”

The developments follow US and Israeli strikes on Iran targeting its military infrastructure and leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Healey stressed that UK operations from Qatar and Cyprus are “defensive,” intercepting missiles and drones to protect allies and remain fully within international law.

“When our planes detect missiles or drones targeting other countries, they'll take them down. Britain is reinforcing regional stability through coordinated defensive operations,” he said.