Protests in Nicosia call for closure of British military bases

On Saturday, approximately 500 protesters marched in Nicosia from the PASYDY building to the Presidential Palace to demand the closure of British military bases in Cyprus. Participants expressed concerns that the Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs) of Akrotiri and Dhekelia facilitate regional conflicts and render Cyprus a target for retaliation. Demonstrators cited reports from Declassified UK suggesting the facilities are used for surveillance flights over Gaza and as launchpads for military operations. Tensions were exacerbated by a March 2 drone strike on the runway at RAF Akrotiri, which led to the temporary evacuation of the village and increased regional military presence. Separately, various activist groups gathered outside the Presidential Palace and the Foreign Ministry to protest against alleged Cypriot cooperation with the United States, Israel, and the UK regarding military actions in Iran. These groups demanded that President Nikos Christodoulides and Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos end all military or strategic cooperation with these nations. Protesters claimed that such alliances risk the stability of the region and serve global economic interests. Official statements regarding these specific allegations from the government were not provided in the source materials.