The French Presidency announced on Sunday that President Emmanuel Macron will visit Cyprus on Monday to express support for the EU member state, which was targeted by drone strikes last week.
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The Elysée Palace added that Macron is scheduled to meet with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Background on the Attack
Last Monday, President Christodoulides stated that the RAF Akrotiri airbase in Cyprus was targeted overnight by a Shahed-type drone, resulting in minor material damage. In an official statement, Christodoulides clarified: "I want to be clear: our country is not participating in any way, nor does it intend to be part of any military operation."
Regional Context
The current escalation follows joint Israeli-U.S. airstrikes on Iran that began on Saturday, February 28, resulting in the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Since then, Tehran has retaliated by striking Israel and several regional countries with missiles and drones. Additionally, Iran has enforced a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, targeting oil tankers attempting to transit the waterway. (Reuters)
