The UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the “Shahed-type drone” that struck the British military facility at RAF Akrotiri was not launched from Iran. The clarification came after the drone attack damaged part of the runway at the strategic Royal Air Force base located near Limassol, raising concerns about escalating tensions in the region.

According to British defence officials, the unmanned aerial vehicle used in the strike resembled the Iranian-made Shahed drone, but investigations suggest it was not directly launched from Iranian territory. Authorities have not yet disclosed where the drone originated from, and an inquiry is ongoing to determine the exact source and operational details behind the attack.

The drone strike reportedly hit the runway of RAF Akrotiri earlier this week, marking the first attack on the British military installation in Cyprus since 1986. The base is one of the United Kingdom’s most important overseas air facilities and has long served as a key hub for military operations in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean.

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Images from the site showed aircraft continuing operations shortly after the incident, indicating that the damage did not significantly disrupt the base’s activities. A fighter jet was seen preparing for landing at the airbase following the attack, suggesting that emergency response teams had quickly secured the area and ensured the runway remained operational.

RAF Akrotiri plays a major role in supporting surveillance and combat missions across the region, particularly during periods of heightened geopolitical tension. Its strategic location allows British forces to respond rapidly to developments in nearby conflict zones, making it a significant military asset for the United Kingdom and its allies.

The drone strike comes amid a broader escalation of conflict across the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Defence analysts say the incident highlights the growing use of unmanned aerial systems in modern warfare and the increasing vulnerability of critical military infrastructure to such attacks.

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