Iran drones strike UK's Akrotiri base in Cyprus, forces evacuated amid escalation

Iran launched an unprecedented drone attack on the United Kingdom's Akrotiri air base in Cyprus, prompting the complete evacuation of British forces from the strategic facility. Two unmanned drones were intercepted while heading towards the base, which the Cyprus government confirmed. The Akrotiri base, retained by Britain after Cyprus gained independence in 1960, is located over 1800 kilometres from Iranian territory, marking the westernmost edge of Iran's weapon capabilities. The base had been used by both the UK and the United States as part of military operations. Cyprus, an island slightly larger than the Indian state of Sikkim and positioned south of Turkey, holds significant strategic importance. Meanwhile, tensions have emerged between US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over access to the Diego Garcia airbase in the Indian Ocean. France, Germany, and the UK have announced support for operations in the region, with the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle en route to the Mediterranean Sea.