On March 2nd at 12:33, Valentinos Pangalos, a veteran Cypriot civil protection officer, was summoned to trigger the airport sirens at Paphos. The alarm sounded as radar identified a potentially dangerous object, likely a drone carrying explosives, approaching the airport. The detection occurred just hours after an Iranian Shahed drone caused damage to a RAF Akrotiri British military base hangar.
Pangalos stated, “I have never received such an order in 24 years of service. It was very intense.”
Immediately following the alert, the airport was evacuated to ensure public safety. The escalating security situation in Cyprus, situated on the periphery of the Middle East, reflects the repercussions of recent American strikes against Iran and the subsequent Iranian response.
Cyprus is experiencing conditions unseen for decades. The last time the nation faced comparable tension was in 1974, following the coup and the subsequent period of instability. This current situation mirrors that historical moment, highlighting the heightened vulnerability of the island.
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Valentinos Pangalos, a seasoned Cypriot civil protection officer, was alerted on March 2nd at 12:33 to activate the Paphos airport sirens. A radar scan indicated a possible threat – a drone potentiall