Iran has launched sustained missile attacks across the Middle East following a joint US-Israeli operation, hitting Dubai and Cyprus with 200,000 British citizens in the region
Iran continues to pummel neighbouring nations with missiles following the combined US-Israeli strikes over the weekend. Its supreme leader, Ayatollah Al Khamenei, was amongst those killed, yet the nation has retaliated with a chilling display of military might.
Countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon and Israel have all come under fire, alongside the British holiday favourite Dubai in the UAE, with horrifying footage revealing several luxury hotels ablaze. American military installations across the region are believed to have been targeted.
During the night, the RAF facility in Cyprus also suffered an assault. The US armed forces have subsequently confirmed three personnel perished in Iran’s offensive, sparking concerns about further escalation across the Middle East.
Nevertheless, there are worries the violence might expand beyond the area, given Iran’s weaponry possesses the capability to strike considerably further than current impact zones. Reports suggest Iran’s missiles boast a range of approximately 1,240 miles.
This reach enables the projectiles to hit two additional vacation destinations cherished by Britons beyond Dubai and Cyprus – Egypt and Turkey, reports the Mirror. Whilst neither has yet faced bombardment, both host American military facilities. Turkey’s Incirlik Air Base in Adana currently houses roughly 5,000 USAF staff.
Egypt also maintains a US military presence, though the specific location remains unclear.
Full list of countries within Iran’s missile range:
- Dubai
- Cyprus
- Egypt
- Turkey
- Israel
- Lebanon
- Syria
- Iraq
- Turkmenistan
- Saudi Arabia
- Yemen
- Oman
- Afghanistan
- Tajikistan
- Uzbekistan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Georgia
- Pakistan
- Russia
- Kazakhstan
- Jordan
- The UAE
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
- Qatar
- Ukraine
The assaults have persisted into today (Monday, March 2) with the British Ministry of Defence confirming that families would be relocated following what appears to be an Iranian drone attack on RAF Akrotiri during the night. In a statement, they declared: “The safety of our personnel and their families is our absolute priority.
“As a precautionary measure we are moving family members who live at RAF Akrotiri to alternative accommodation nearby on the island of Cyprus. Our base and personnel continue to operate as normal protecting the safety of Britain and our interests.”
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has also issued a statement regarding the rapidly developing situation in Iran, highlighting that approximately 200,000 British citizens are currently in the region and urging them to register their whereabouts and adhere to travel guidance. He stated: “Over the last two days Iran has launched sustained attacks across the region at countries who did not attack them.
“They’ve hit airports and hotels where British citizens are staying. This is clearly a dangerous situation.
“We have at least 200,000 British citizens in the region – residents, families on holiday, and those in transit. I ask all our people in the region to please register your presence and follow Foreign Office travel advice.
“I know this is a deeply worrying time and we will continue to do all we can to support you.”
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