The United Kingdom’s foreign office updated its threat of “regional escalation” in its official travel advisory for Cyprus.
The ministry stated that “hostilities in the region and between Israel and Lebanon could escalate quickly and pose risks for the wider region”, while also noting the missile strikes carried out by Israel and Iran against each other this month.
The missiles launched by Iran in the direction of Israel were visible from Cyprus’ coastal towns and cities, with it having been reported at the time that some people had even called the police asking what was going on in the sky and if they were in danger.
Meanwhile, international flights with destinations in the Middle East were diverted to Cyprus after Israel closed its airspace amid the missile strikes, and both Jordan and Iraq swiftly followed suit.
In addition to its note on regional escalation, the UK’s foreign office also says there is a “high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets.”
“Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Cyprus, attacks cannot be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals,” it added.
It also said demonstrations “may occur in cities with little or no notice”, and that “events in the Middle East have led to heightened tensions and demonstrations are likely.”
Its official advice to UK citizens should they find themselves near a Cypriot protest is to “avoid any protests, political gatherings, or marches and leave the area if one develops.”
Aside from issues related to the Middle East, the ministry also said, “personal attacks, including sexual assaults, are infrequent but do happen. Drug-assisted rape is a risk, including with drugs like GHB and liquid ecstasy.”
