Spain sending frigate to Cyprus after Iranian drone attack

Spain has announced that it is sending a frigate to help protect Cyprus amidst the US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

The announcement comes four days after a drone attack on the UK’s RAF Akrotiri base on the island, The Guardian reports.

“The frigate Cristóbal Colón joined the Charles de Gaulle Naval Group on 3 March to carry out escort, protection, and advanced training duties in the Baltic Sea. The group will now head to the Mediterranean, arriving off the coast of Crete around 10 March.

The supply ship Cantabria will also briefly put to sea to provide fuel and logistical support during the Naval Group’s transit through the Gulf of Cádiz.

The Cristóbal Colón is the most technologically advanced frigate. Its mission in the Mediterranean will be to provide air defence and protection, thus complementing the capabilities of the Patriot battery deployed in Türkiye. It will also be on standby to support any evacuation of civilian personnel who may be affected by the conflict.”

The statement added that the deployment was proof of Spain’s commitment to defending the EU and its borders.

On March 2, the British Royal Air Force base on the island was targeted by an Iranian-made drone amidst the US ​and ⁠Israeli air war against Tehran. The attack damaged a runway and prompted a partial evacuation of the facility. British forces later intercepted additional drones heading toward the island.

By Khagan Isayev