US personnel evacuated from Erbil to Cyprus via British military transport

At least twelve American diplomats, intelligence personnel, and contractors were evacuated from the Harir airbase in Erbil, Iraq, to the British Royal Air Force (RAF) base at Akrotiri in Cyprus. According to the British Ministry of Defence, the personnel were transported on an RAF A400M Atlas aircraft due to a lack of available American air assets in the region. Reports from GB News indicate that the group was initially transported by bus to Erbil airport, where they faced delays and lacked a clear departure plan before requesting assistance from British forces. The British Ministry of Defence confirmed the evacuation took place but clarified it was not on the night of the recent drone attack on the base, which resulted in American injuries and the death of a French soldier. While British officials stated the flight was a logistical arrangement for equipment transport, reports suggest the personnel were left without immediate further transport plans upon arriving in Cyprus. The mission occurs amid heightened regional military tensions involving drone and missile activity. The Cyprus Mail reports that officials are awaiting confirmation from the US Department of Defense regarding the status of the evacuees. The Akrotiri base itself was reportedly targeted by an Iranian-made drone on March 2.