Cyprus–United Kingdom border
When Cyprus became independent in 1960, Britain kept two military areas on the island as its own territory, Akrotiri and Dhekelia. Thousands of Cypriots live inside them. In 2026 a drone fired from Lebanon hit RAF Akrotiri, reviving debate about whether the bases make Cyprus a target.
Written from cited sourcesLast checked 29 September 2026Suggest a correction
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Two sovereign bases
When Cyprus became independent in 1960, the Treaty of Establishment left the United Kingdom sovereignty over two areas: Akrotiri, on the island’s southernmost peninsula, and Dhekelia, in the east, 99 square miles in all.[1] Britain constituted them by an Order in Council that year.[2] They are Britain’s territory, but thousands of Cypriots live within them.[1]
A target?
In March 2026 a drone fired from Lebanon struck RAF Akrotiri. Cyprus’s government complained about a lack of security coordination and residents said they had not been warned; Britain sent anti-drone helicopters and a warship, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer said it was taking every measure to protect Cyprus. An international lawyer told the Cyprus Mail that Cyprus has never really challenged the bases’ status, partly because Britain is a guarantor power, and that any change would have to come in a wider settlement of the Cyprus problem.[1]
“Should Cyprus remain a strategic asset for others – or a secure home for its own people?”[1]
Timeline
More borders
United Kingdom
Sources
- [1]Do Cyprus’ British bases have a future? · Cyprus Mail (Elias Hazou) · 8 March 2026
- [2]The Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia Order in Council 1960 · legislation.gov.uk · 1960
- [3]Admin 0 – Countries, 1:10m · Natural Earth (via the world-atlas package)
The outlines of Akrotiri and Dhekelia on the map.
Map geometry from Natural Earth via world-atlas. See credits.