Amidst deliberations by U.S. President Joe Biden on potential actions against Houthi militias in Yemen, British military bases in Cyprus are poised to play a critical role in securing maritime routes in the Red Sea.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the United States is exploring various options, including missile and drone launch sites, radar installations, and ammunition depots, to target Houthi facilities in Yemen. Among these options, the British bases at Akrotiri and Dhekelia emerge as crucial nodes, serving as launch pads for the Royal Air Force (RAF) to execute operations in Yemen under the umbrella of Operation Prosperity Guardian, led by a coalition of 12 nations, including the United States.
Diplomatic sources reveal that a joint diplomatic note has been dispatched by the 12 nations, including the UK, to warn pro-Iranian rebels of severe consequences if attacks in the Red Sea persist. “If authorised by London, Typhoon aircraft stationed in Cyprus will take flight towards the shores of Northern Yemen to target Houthi rebel-associated sites,” emphasize European diplomatic sources to “Naftemporiki.”
The British Ministry of Defence is currently assessing the potential of ordering airstrikes against the Houthis, given their refusal to back down. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps asserts that London will act decisively to prevent further rebel attacks on commercial vessels navigating through the Suez Canal.
The British bases at Akrotiri and Dhekelia serve as strategic launch points for Typhoon FGR Mk. 4 multi-role fighters stationed in Cyprus. Capable of carrying precision-guided munitions, including GPS/laser-guided bombs and air-to-ground missiles, these aircraft may be deployed to strike predetermined targets along the coasts of Yemen. The UK has previously employed RAF aircraft stationed in Cyprus in operations against ISIS in Syria and Iraq, and now, they stand ready to be used against Houthi rebels, focusing on neutralising anti-aircraft systems and radars.
The significance of the British base in Akrotiri has also come into focus due to the conflict in Gaza, with the presence of a U.S. U-2 Dragon Lady spy plane reported on the base’s runways. The RAF airbase in Akrotiri, located 180 miles from Tel Aviv, allows for a flight time of 40 minutes.
The presence of American surveillance planes and drones at the British base has sparked inquiries into London’s involvement in covert missions conducted between 2008 and 2013. According to DeclassifiedUK, a spokesperson for the British Ministry of Defence stated, “Due to the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, we are working with international partners to de-escalate, enhance stability, and support humanitarian efforts in the region. Any use of UK bases will align with these objectives.”
British Member of Parliament Kenny MacAskill has raised concerns, highlighting that while Akrotiri is a sovereign base of the United Kingdom, it is situated in Cyprus.
He asserts that the Cypriot government should be informed of military operations conducted from their island, as these actions could potentially make Cyprus a target for terrorism.
On Sunday, January 14, demonstrators will march towards RAF Akrotiri in Limassol to protest the use of the UK’s bases in Cyprus to facilitate military operations abroad.
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