Drone Attack on UK Base in Cyprus Fuels Debate Over Future of Sovereign Base Areas
Akrotiri, Cyprus – A recent drone strike on the Royal Air Force (RAF) Akrotiri base in Cyprus has reignited a long-simmering debate over the future of the UK’s Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) – remnants of British colonial history on the island nation. The March 1st attack, believed to have been carried out by Hezbollah, struck the runway at Akrotiri, prompting evacuations and a bolstered UK military response, including the deployment of Wildcat helicopters and the air-defence destroyer HMS Dragon.
The incident has exposed vulnerabilities in the security of the bases and amplified Cypriot concerns about their continued existence. While British sovereignty over the SBAs isn’t immediately threatened, the episode underscores the complex relationship between the UK and Cyprus, and the need for ongoing cooperation and transparency.
A Legacy of Colonialism
The SBAs – Akrotiri and Dhekelia – cover nearly 100 square miles, roughly 3% of the island. They were established in 1960 as a condition of Cyprus’ independence from British rule, intended to secure a strategic UK presence in the Eastern Mediterranean. The legal framework governing the areas is outlined in the 1960 Treaty of Establishment, which emphasizes military use, cooperation with Cyprus, and the protection of residents’ interests.
However, the reality on the ground is more nuanced. Approximately 12,000 Cypriots live within the SBAs, and around 60% of the land is privately owned and farmed. This creates a unique situation where, despite being a British sovereign territory, the permanent residents are Cypriot citizens. Daily life for Cypriots within the SBAs largely mirrors that of the Republic of Cyprus, with Cypriot authorities handling essential services like education, healthcare, and taxation under a 2007 ordinance.
Cypriot Discontent Surfaces
The drone attack has brought simmering tensions to the surface. The Cypriot government expressed “disappointment” over the level of information shared with residents following the strike, and also voiced concerns that the base was being used for military purposes beyond humanitarian aid. Cyprus had previously requested that the UK restrict the use of the bases to humanitarian activities only. A Cypriot spokesperson stated that “in this context, we [are] not ruling anything out” regarding renegotiating the status of the bases.
This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among some Cypriots who feel their island’s security is being shaped by decisions made in London and Washington, rather than Nicosia. Protests have erupted, with demonstrators arguing the British presence exposes Cyprus to regional conflicts.
A History of Tensions
The relationship between the UK and Cyprus regarding the SBAs has been marked by periods of cooperation and disagreement. Past incidents illustrate this dynamic. In 1973, then-Prime Minister Edward Heath refused a US request to use RAF Akrotiri to resupply Israel during the Yom Kippur War. More recently, in 2002, the Blair government faced criticism for allegedly using the SBAs to support claims about Iraq’s weapons capabilities, and in 2008, leaked US diplomatic cables revealed secret American reconnaissance flights operating out of Akrotiri.
Despite these tensions, the UK has repeatedly offered to return approximately 45 square miles of SBA land in the event of a comprehensive settlement to reunify Cyprus, signaling a willingness to compromise.
Brexit and the Future
The UK’s departure from the European Union added another layer of complexity. Concerns arose that new customs rules could violate the 1960 treaty prohibiting frontiers between the SBAs and Cyprus. However, a dedicated protocol within the UK–EU Withdrawal Agreement preserved the status quo, allowing the SBAs to remain within the EU customs territory with Cypriot authorities handling customs and taxation.
The recent drone strike, the first attack on the base since 1986, serves as a stark reminder that the SBAs remain strategically important, politically sensitive, and deeply intertwined with the security and governance of Cyprus. While immediate changes to the status of the SBAs are unlikely, the incident highlights the need for continued dialogue, transparency, and a commitment to cooperation between the UK and Cyprus to ensure their long-term viability.
