Cyprus maintains defensive readiness amidst Middle East tensions

Cypriot Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas announced on Thursday that there is no immediate threat to the Republic of Cyprus, despite regional instability. He stated that any security incidents recorded thus far have been directed at British military bases on the island, though he clarified that these bases are located within the territory of the Republic. The National Guard remains at a high level of operational readiness, with ongoing infrastructure upgrades at the Andreas Papandreou Air Base and the Evangelos Florakis Naval Base. Greece has deployed two frigates and four fighter jets to the island to bolster defenses, an action Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias described as protection for the entire population. Palmas expressed gratitude to Greece and France for their military support, noting that discussions with other European states regarding potential assistance are ongoing. While Dendias stated that Cyprus can now feel safe from external fire, he acknowledged that the Greek frigate Kimon has not yet been fully integrated into operational fleets. Both ministers have urged the public to remain calm and be wary of circulating misinformation.