A likely Iranian drone strike hit Britain’s Royal Air Force base of Akrotiri in Cyprus overnight, causing limited damage and no casualties, the island’s president and Britain’s defence ministry said on Monday.

The incident represents a marked escalation in the conflict.

It was the first attack on the British military facility since a rocket attack in 1986.

While the bases are regarded as British sovereign territory, Cyprus itself is an EU member, now holding the bloc’s rotating presidency.

The Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicle caused minor damage when it crashed into the military facilities at 12:03am, Cyprus’ President Nikos Christodoulides said.

It was not immediately clear from where the Iranian-made Shahed had been fired.

Two sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters the British bases intercepted a second drone.

Base staff being relocated

Authorities at Britain’s RAF base in Akrotiri in Cyprus have planned the temporary dispersal of non-essential personnel as a precautionary measure after an incident with an unmanned drone overnight, the Sovereign Bases Administration said.

Other facilities Britain has on the island will continue to operate normally, it said.