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Published: Araweelo News Network [ Associated Online Agencies/ March 5, 2026
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Madrid (ANN)-Tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and Gulf region have intensified as Spain announced it will deploy a naval frigate to help protect Cyprus, following a drone strike targeting a British Royal Air Force base on the island.
Madrid confirmed that the advanced frigate Cristóbal Colón (F105) will join French, Italian, and Dutch naval forces already moving toward the region. The deployment aims to strengthen air defence around Cyprus and support potential evacuations of civilians amid the escalating conflict linked to the widening Middle East confrontation.
The move comes days after a drone believed to have been launched from Lebanon struck RAF Akrotiri, one of the United Kingdom’s most strategically important overseas military installations.
Officials reported the damage was limited, but the drone reportedly hit a hangar used by the United States for operations involving the high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft Lockheed U‑2, raising concerns about the effectiveness of air defences protecting the base.
The attack has sparked criticism of Britain’s military readiness. Britain’s main air-defence destroyer, HMS Dragon (D35), has been ordered to deploy to the Eastern Mediterranean. However, the vessel was undergoing maintenance and had been temporarily disarmed, meaning it may take up to two weeks before it reaches the region.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the government’s preparedness during a press conference in Downing Street, stating that the United Kingdom had already begun deploying forces to the region earlier in the year.
“We started pre-deploying to the region in January and February, particularly to Cyprus and Qatar,” Starmer said, adding that he was satisfied the government could protect British personnel.
Spain’s deployment will add to the growing European naval presence in the Eastern Mediterranean, where EU members are increasingly concerned about the spillover effects of the regional conflict.
Meanwhile, tensions have also spread to the Gulf. Reports from the Abu Dhabi indicated that smoke was seen rising above the well-known Yas Marina Circuit area after drones were reportedly launched toward the United Arab Emirates.
Sirens sounded in several areas, and residents in parts of the country reportedly sought shelter as the attacks intensified amid the wider confrontation involving Iran, Israel, and American forces in the Middle East.
The growing military activity around Cyprus highlights the island’s strategic importance as Western powers position forces to protect military bases, secure shipping routes, and prepare for potential evacuation operations if the conflict expands further.

Reporting by Araweelo News Network
Associated Online Agencies

By Arraale M Jama Freelance Journalist and Human Rights
activist.