Von der Leyen says EU stands ‘unequivocally’ with Cyprus after drone strike

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday said the European Union stands “collectively, firmly, and unequivocally” with Cyprus, after a drone hit the island’s British Akrotiri air force base shortly after midnight.

“I talked with President [Nikos] Christodoulides, who briefed me on the single incident that occurred shortly after midnight involving an unmanned aerial vehicle targeting the British base in Akrotiri,” she began.

She added that “while the Republic of Cyprus was not the target”, the EU stands “collectively, firmly, and unequivocally with our member states in the face of any threat”.

Personnel on the British bases had been informed shortly after 1am that a “small drone” had “impacted the airfield” and that the bases’ authorities were responding.

It was also confirmed that there were no casualties as a result of the strike, but that “minor damage” had been caused.

The bases’ authorities also instructed personnel to “remain in place and await further instruction”, warning that “there may be additional impact”, with the explosion and siren sounds having been heard in nearby Limassol.