The Cyprus administration is facing increasing backlash for permitting British military bases on the island to be utilized by UK and US troops for carrying out airstrikes against Iran-supported Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Activists have accused President Nicos Christodoulides of ignoring the potential dangers that the EU’s most eastern state could face if the strategic facilities on the island are used for military operations.
According to The Guardian, the American ambassador and the British high commissioner informed the president of Cyprus about upcoming military operations in Yemen prior to the initial round of airstrikes last week.
According to Tassos Costeas, a well-known peace advocate from Greek Cyprus, the number of war planes departing daily is increasing. He believes that this poses a clear threat of Cyprus becoming a potential target.
After gaining independence from British colonial rule in 1960, Cyprus was left with two territories that function as sovereign overseas territories and are not under the control of the republic. These territories cover a total area of 98 square miles, which accounts for 3% of Cyprus’s land.
While not officially acknowledged, European Union officials in Nicosia, the divided capital of the island, claim that American troops are stationed at the military base. One individual stated, “If you peer beyond the fence at Akrotiri, you can spot American military surveillance and other aircraft.”
On Tuesday, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, the spokesperson for the government of Cyprus, stated that the country is not participating in any military actions. He suggested that according to the treaty establishing the bases, the UK is not required to inform Cypriot authorities about activities taking place in the facilities. Letymbiotis added that the government maintains regular communication with the UK under the agreed framework for the use of the bases.
Last week, there was an increase in demonstrations following the use of RAF Akrotiri to launch Typhoon fighter jets for targeted airstrikes on Houthi strongholds in Yemen. This was done in response to attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. The pro-Palestinian militia defended their actions, citing Israel’s ongoing offensive as justification. One of their missiles had recently hit a Greek-owned cargo ship.
The British defense minister, Grant Shapps, visited Cyprus on Friday to ease tensions. He met with the president and expressed their commitment to protecting the country’s security for the benefit of all. Acknowledging the challenging surroundings, they assured that measures will be taken to make things easier. Shapps stated that the Houthis do not currently pose a threat to Cyprus.
The military actions taken by the US and UK have heightened fears that the Israel-Gaza conflict could escalate into a larger regional war. Both Washington and London have promised to continue the airstrikes if deemed necessary.
Cypriot activists express serious worry that the British bases could potentially serve as a means for the US and UK to provide military assistance to Israel, although neither nation has verified this accusation.
During the protest on Sunday, protesters could be heard chanting “remove the bases of death” near the entrance of RAF Akrotiri, which is located near the southern city of Limassol on the island.
The president of the Cyprus Peace Council, a bi-communal NGO that helped coordinate the rally, expressed concern about their country being involved in a conflict that has resulted in over 24,000 deaths, primarily among women and children. He added that they are all too familiar with the consequences of conflict, as their country was divided by war fifty years ago.
Since the beginning of the Gaza conflict after the invasion by Hamas fighters on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities, there have been reports of a significant rise in the frequency of military aircraft traveling from Akrotiri to Tel Aviv, with the journey taking around 40 minutes.
Shortly after the attack by Hamas, the newspaper Haaretz from Israel stated that a large number of transport planes from the US and UK, as well as heavy transport helicopters, had landed at the British Akrotiri base on the island. They were carrying equipment, weapons, and personnel.
The UK’s defense ministry has refuted claims that it is utilizing the facilities, which also function as a surveillance center for signals intelligence, to assist Israel with “deadly shipments”. Instead, a spokesperson for the defense ministry emphasized the country’s humanitarian efforts in the region.
The official stated that the British Forces in Cyprus are still assisting with providing humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Cyprus activists allege that US planes have transported weapons to Israel through the country’s bases in Europe.
When questioned about the allegations, a representative from the US Department of Defense stated that they do not disclose specific information regarding military logistics, including aircraft movements, for security purposes. They also reassured that all US military actions adhere to international laws and are closely coordinated with allied forces.
According to Costeas, a peace advocate, there is proof that surveillance aircrafts were being utilized from Akrotiri. London and Washington have refuted any direct participation in Israel’s conflict, but have acknowledged launching drones from Cyprus to Gaza in order to assist in the search for captives.
President Christodoulides has expressed his intention to take advantage of the island’s close proximity to Gaza by creating a maritime aid route between the port of Larnaca and the blockaded coastal area. However, this plan has not yet been realized. Last month, a Royal Navy landing ship transported 90 tons of air-freighted supplies to the Palestinian territory via Egypt.
Peace activists from Greece and Turkey have united in condemning the actions of military bases. The leftist AKEL party has called on the government to take further action to prevent the island from being complicit in the violence in Gaza.
According to Vera Polycarpou, the leader of AKEL’s international relations, the Cyprus government could have taken stronger actions to prevent the usage of the bases in this manner. Protests against the presence of the bases have been ongoing since 1964. It is ironic, and quite disturbing, to hear that aid rather than weapons are being transported from Akrotiri by planes, despite clear evidence to the contrary.
Source: theguardian.com
