In a report, Tagesspiegel focuses on the impact that developments in the Middle East have on Cyprus.
The recent “Iranian missile attack on Israel was also visible in Cyprus and this is something that worries residents, as the missiles could also hit Cyprus.” There have already been threats,” he says specifically. The report cites testimonies from citizens and notes that Iranian missiles were visible in many areas: in Ayia Napa, Larnaca, Limassol and Nicosia. “The Cypriot police received calls from frightened citizens,” it notes.
As Tagesspiegel writes, “geography and history make the conflict in the Middle East a danger for Cyprus and therefore for the entire EU”. (…) A direct flight from Cyprus to Lebanon takes less than three quarters. The missiles could cross the sea in just a few minutes. Shortly before he died, Hezbollah leader Nasrallah threatened the island Republic of Cyprus with missiles if it supported the Israeli operation. The pro-Iranian Houthi rebels in Yemen also have missiles and drones, which can reach both Cyprus and Israel (…) Because the island lacks significant air defenses, many Cypriots feel threatened (…) The island is so close to areas of war in the Middle East that a spark could fly. In the event of an emergency, he expects help from other EU member states.”
At the same time, the report also focuses on British bases, noting that some see them as an “additional source of danger” and citing statements by retired colonel Antis Loizou, “according to which, theoretically, Iranian missiles could reach Cyprus , but he emphasizes that Iran is focused on Israel.”
Among other things, it refers to the readiness of Civil Protection, which “currently manages 2,200 shelters that could accommodate a third of the population”. The government wants to build more shelters, even in the catacombs of churches, to be able to move a large part of the population to safe places.” Retired Colonel Loizos finally refers to a possible danger that could cause a possible more active involvement of Turkey in the Middle East through aviation installations in the occupied territories.
Source: Deutsche Welle