Cyprus confirms intercepted attack as government urges calm  

Foreign minister Constantinos Kombos confirmed on Friday that an attempted attack linked to the escalating conflict with Iran had been intercepted far from the republic’s maritime zone.

Speaking to ERTnews, Kombos confirmed that authorities had dealt with two security incidents since the outbreak of hostilities between Israel, the United States and Iran.

One involved a drone strike on RAF Akrotiri, while another attempted attack was neutralised before it approached Cypriot territory.

“In fact, we had a drone attack on the British base, which is very important,” Kombos said.

 “In addition, there was an attempted attack that was dealt with far from the Republic of Cyprus.”

The minister sought to reassure the public that normality largely prevails across the country despite the tense regional environment.

“Schools and universities are open, the private and public sectors are operating normally, while the number of flights arriving and departing from Cyprus is almost at the levels that existed before the initial attack on Iran,” he asserted.

At the same time, Kombos emphasised that the government has a responsibility to act cautiously as the conflict unfolds across the wider Middle East.

Cyprus has intensified coordination with European partners and regional allies as part of broader efforts to strengthen the island’s security posture during the crisis.

Kombos highlighted support from several countries, including Greece, France, Italy and Spain.

“The response of the Greek side and of prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was extremely important, not only in substance but also symbolically, given the fraternal relationship between the two countries,” he said, adding that Cyprus had also received “practical assistance from France, Italy and Spain”.

European naval assets have been deployed in waters around Cyprus in recent days as part of efforts to reinforce air and missile defence coverage amid concerns about drone and missile threats linked to the regional war.

Kombos stressed that the government is seeking to maintain stability and avoid creating unnecessary alarm among the population.

“We have the duty to operate with the protection and security of the republic in mind, without giving the impression that we are living in a state of war,” he said.

Kombos also warned that the crisis may persist for some time, with the wider regional outlook remaining uncertain.

“The forecast for the wider region is that this situation will not end soon,” he said.