Cyprus, rear base for the intervention in Syria (Maj3)
(BRUSSELS2) Warplanes and military transport planes have arrived as reinforcements at the British base at Akrotiri in Cyprus. Information that has not yet received official confirmation (*). The presence of C-130 is however attested by pilots of commercial planes who also noticed the presence of formations of fighter planes on the radars, according to testimonies collected by The Guardian. Residents on the island have testified to this renewed activity for 48 hours.
This information is likely as the base of Akrotiri has an obvious interest in what may look like a preparation for military action. First, its location, about 218 miles from Damascus International Airport (about 350km) and 150 miles from the Syrian coast, has clear advantages. Second, it is not a base located in a foreign country. But a British territory that includes not only the base but also villages and civilian homes.
The British bases in Cyprus - Akrotiri and Dhekelia - are thus not included in the territory of Cyprus but are a British "sovereign area" to use the official terminology. They are also outside the jurisdiction of the European Union (cf. art. 355 EU Treaty). It is therefore a real terrestrial aircraft carrier, with a certain discretion in addition and extraterritoriality as a bonus.
The RAF confirms... an exercise!
(Update) The Royal Air Force had confirmed the presence of fighter planes and pilots in number but only for an "exercise". Ten Typhoon aircraft, pilots and support elements of 29 (Reserve) Squadron from RAF Coningsby are to be deployed to Akrotiri for a routine exercise. " continuing a long tradition of RAF personnel taking advantage of the base's training facilities and near-guarantees of good weather “, announces the RAF website. Of course, the climate is the main reason for this deployment. During this training, the pilots will carry out a varied palette of missions, allowing them to use the knowledge necessary to fully utilize the combat action capability of the Typhoon multirole aircraft”. The majority of personnel came from 29(R)Squadron but the strength was also to include Hawk aircraft from 100 Squadron. Duration of training: 3 weeks. (Maj2) Exercise which would have been postponed announces the British press...
(Update2) The Royal Air Force confirmed the deployment of 6 Typhoon interceptors to Cyprus on Thursday morning (August 29), as part of ongoing contingency planning. " This is a precautionary measure, with the aim of protecting British interests and the defense of our area of sovereignty at a time of high tension in the region. This movement is intended solely for defensive operations, air/air only” states the press release. " They are not taking part in military action against Syria.” And as the RAF has, despite everything, a sense of innuendo, it took care to illustrate its point by showing Typhoons preparing for takeoff on the base of Gioia Dell Colle in Italy during Operation Ellamy (in Libya ), the caption being self-explanatory.
