Tri-Service

EXCLUSIVE: Migrant Boats Land At RAF Akrotiri

Article: Nathan Tyler

The Ministry of Defence have confirmed that two boats carrying migrants have landed at the British military base of RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

The nationalities of around 100 people, including children, have not yet been established. Neither has the country from which they began their voyage, although Turkey or Lebanon are the likely locations.

A number of boats with migrants on board have landed in Cyprus

It's the first time since the crisis began that refugees have landed directly on what's considered British Sovereign territory.

It's understood however that an agreement with the Cypriot government means they will not be able to claim asylum at RAF Akrotiri. Rather they'll be passed on to the Cypriot authorities to have any claims processed.

Akrotiri is Britain's key military facility on the island and has been for the past 60 years - built to relieve pressure on the then RAF Nicosia, which is now used by the UN Peacekeeping mission.

More from Forces.tv: Celebrating 60 Years Of RAF Akrotiri

RAF Akrotiri is also at the sharp end of Britain's fight against Islamic State with the base a vital stepping stone for military operations in the Middle East.

A fleet of RAF Tornados fly from Cyprus on an almost daily basis conducting missile strikes against IS targets across Iraq.

Forces TV have been granted exclusive access to go behind the scenes of the mission and you can see the full feature here - Cleared To Strike: Inside Op Shader.