The Cypriot government is facing growing criticism that British military bases on the island are being used by British and American forces to carry out airstrikes against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
President Nicos Christodoulides has been accused by activists of turning a blind eye to the risks the EU's easternmost nation could face if strategic facilities on the island continue to be deployed for military operations.
The Guardian has learned that both the US ambassador and the British high commissioner briefed the Cyprus president about impending military action in Yemen before the first airstrikes last week.
“Every day more fighter jets are taking off than ever before,” Tassos Kosteas, a prominent Greek-Cypriot peace activist, told the Guardian. “The danger of Cyprus becoming a target is clear.”
The two facilities are held by Britain after it won independence in 1960, ending decades of colonial rule, and operate as sovereign overseas territories outside the republic's reach. Both extend to his 3% of Cyprus' landmass, or 98 square miles.
Although it has never been confirmed, EU diplomats in the war-torn island's capital Nicosia say US troops are stationed at military facilities. “You will see US military surveillance and other aircraft through the Akrotiri fence,” one person said.
On Tuesday, Cypriot government spokesman Konstantinos Retinbiotis stressed that the eastern Mediterranean island was not involved in any military operations, and that under the Establishment Treaty the UK had no control over activities at the facility. He implied that there was no obligation to notify the authorities. He said: “The Government remains in constant contact with the UK within the established framework regarding the use of the base.”
Protests escalated last week after Akrotiri Air Base was used as a launching pad for Typhoon jets to carry out targeted airstrikes against Houthi strongholds in Yemen in retaliation for an attack on a merchant ship in the Red Sea. Pro-Palestinian militias justified their attack by saying they were acting in response to Israel's ongoing offensive, after one of their missiles recently hit a Greek-owned cargo ship.
Apparently to calm Cypriot nerves, British Defense Minister Grant Shapps visited Cyprus on Friday and met with the president. “We want to do everything possible to keep Cyprus safe and it is in everyone’s best interest. We appreciate that you are in a difficult area and “We want to do everything possible to facilitate that,” he said. He insisted that the Houthis “do not pose an immediate threat to Cyprus.”
The US and UK airstrikes have further heightened fears that the Israel-Gaza war could escalate into a broader regional conflagration. Washington and London pledged to continue airstrikes if necessary.
Activists in Cyprus say they are deeply concerned that British bases could be used by the US and UK to send military aid to Israel, a claim neither country has confirmed. I haven't.
In Sunday's protest, demonstrators outside the entrance to Akrotiri Air Base near the coastal city of Limassol in the southern part of the island chanted “Out with the base of death”.
“Simply put, we do not want our country to be used in a war that has killed more than 24,000 people, the majority of them women and children,” said the president of the Cyprus Peace Council. said Mr. Costeas. Organize a meeting. “We know what conflict means. Fifty years ago, Cyprus was torn apart by war.”
Witnesses say the number of military transport planes making the 40-minute journey from Akrotiri to Tel Aviv has increased sharply since the Gaza war began following the Oct. 7 invasion by Hamas militants that killed about 1,200 people. ing.
Israel's Haaretz newspaper reported within weeks of the Hamas attack. report “Over 40 US transport aircraft, over 20 British transport aircraft, and 7 large transport helicopters.” [had] We arrived at the British military base at Akrotiri on the island. They carried equipment, weapons, and troops. ”
Britain's Ministry of Defense denied using the facility, which also serves as a signals intelligence station and surveillance collection, to support the transport of “lethal cargo” to Israel. Instead, a Defense Ministry spokesperson at the weekend sought to emphasize the humanitarian role of EU member states in the region.
“British Cypriot forces will continue to support the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza,” the official said.
However, Cypriot activists believe that US planes sent weapons to Israel from warehouses at bases across Europe via Cyprus.
Asked about the claim, a Pentagon spokesperson said: “For security reasons, it is our policy not to discuss specific details of military logistics, including aircraft movements.” . All U.S. military activities are fully compliant with international law and closely coordinated with allies. ”
Peace activist Kosteas claimed there was evidence of spy planes operating from Akrotiri as well. London and Washington deny direct involvement in Israel's war but say they have launched drones into Gaza from Cyprus to help search for hostages.
President Christodoulides has been vocal about his desire to use the island, close to Gaza, to establish a maritime aid corridor between the port of Larnaca and the besieged coastline, but the plan is Although the navy has landed, it has not yet materialized. Last month, the ship delivered 90 tons of airlifted goods to the Palestinian territories via Egypt.
Greek and Turkish Cypriot peace activists have joined forces to denounce the base's role, and the main left-wing party AKEL has urged it to do more to ensure the island is “not complicit in the bloodshed in Gaza.” I'm asking the government.
“The Cypriot government should have done more to prevent the base from being used in this way,” said Bela Polikarpou, head of international relations at AKEL. “There have been ongoing protests against the presence of the base here since 1964. It is great to hear that aid, not weapons, is being flown in from Akrotiri, despite all evidence to the contrary. , it's a real joke, a disgusting joke.”
