'Iranian drone impacts airfield' at RAF Akrotiri as blast rocks British base - security alert declared

Sources have said an explosion which rocked an RAF base in Cyprus was caused by a small Iranian drone.

The blast was heard near the sovereign base at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

A "security threat" was declared at the base just before midnight, telling staff to "return to your homes and stay inside until further notice".

Staff at the base was told to "move away from windows and take cover behind or beneath substantial, solid furniture".

The RAF base had been struck by a "small drone" which "impacted the airfield".

It was confirmed that no casualties as a result of the strike, but "minor damage" had been caused.

Unconfirmed reports believe the drone may have been a Shahed 136, a one-way attack drone which has been used regularly by the Russian military for strikes in the Ukraine war.

Personnel at the base have been told to remain sheltered until further instruction, with warnings delivered that there "there may be additional impact".

Sources have told GB News the attack serves as a "wake up call for the United Kingdom", after Sir Keir Starmer said the British military would only engage in defensive actions.

It had been heard over air traffic control that there are "a lot of missiles between Cyprus and Beirut".

The base hosts American, British and Israeli military personnel.

Sir Keir has said the RAF has not participated in any "offensive action", but RAF jets have been deployed from Qatar for defensive action.

A number of British planes left the base shortly after the blast.

The planes include at least two fighter jets and one support plane.

The Prime Minister had said the country must learn from "the mistakes of Iraq" and only allow strikes for "limited defensive purpose".

Sir Keir has allowed the use of RAF bases by the American military for "specific and limited defensive purposes".

He added the decision had been made in accordance with international law, and the government would publish a summary of its legal advice.

"We have taken the decision to accept this request to prevent Iran firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk, and hitting countries that have not been involved," said Sir Keir.

Discussions had long been held between President Donald Trump and the Government about the legality of strikes on Iran.

In a joint statement with France and Germany said they were ready to defend their interests in the region after "indiscriminate" military strikes.

The E3 countries have urged a resumption of negotiations in order to find a "negotiated solution".

The three countries have also urged Iran to end its nuclear programme, "curb" its intercontinental ballistic missile programme, and "refrain from its destabilising activity in the region and our homelands".

The UK had not taken part in offensive strikes on Iran which killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but RAF fighters did take down an Iranian drone headed to Qatar.

Earlier today, defence secretary John Healey told Sky News that two missiles had been fired in the direction of Cyprus, which at the time was denied by Cyrpiot authorities.

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