A man has been arrested on suspicion of spying and preparing a terror attack against a British military base in Cyprus.
The suspect is reported to be from Azerbaijan and to have links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
He is thought to have had been surveilling the British RAF military base in Akrotiri – the largest such station outside the UK, which serves as a crucial operational base supporting ongoing missions in the Middle East.
Eurofighter Typhoons, previously used in operations against ISIS and the Houthis, as well as Puma helicopters Voyager Tanker Aircraft for air-to-air refueling and reconnaissance Shadow R1are among the aircraft that are deployed to the base.
Griffin helicopters deployed during search and rescue missions are also stationed at the base.
ANT1 news portal reported that the suspect was also allegedly spying on Cyprus’ own Andreas Papandreou Air Base in Paphos since mid-April.
Police reportedly swooped on him in a Zakaki suburb of the coastal city of Limassol.
He was noticed with a large camera and long distance lens near the base almost every day, Phileleftheros reports.
Precision cameras, computers, three mobiles and professional tripods with telephoto lenses were later discovered in his apartment, it is claimed.
He reportedly took photos of the bases with his camera, and was found with three mobiles.
The suspect appeared before a district court today which ordered an eight-day detention pending inquiries.
The proceedings were held behind closed doors, due to the sensitive nature of the case.
No further details would be issued, police said, citing national security.
Cyprus lies very close to the Middle East and has in recent days been used as a transit point for people either leaving or going to the region amid the conflict between regional foes Israel and Iran.
Terror-related offences on the island are very rare.
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