Sirens wailed on Thursday in Akrotiri and residents received sms alerts that there was an ongoing security threat.

“Only for Akrotiri residents: There is an ongoing security threat. Please remain indoors and at your positions until further notice,” the sms read.

According to Reporter, it also advised people to stay away from windows and shelter behind or under strong, heavy furniture.

“Await further instructions,” it added.

A few minutes later, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the alert was over.

Letymbiotis added that “the measures we are taking are preventive and we do not underestimate any piece of information”.

Speaking at the press centre at the presidential palace, Letymbiotis said the update from the British bases was that “information and an indication regarding a suspicious object were examined, which in the end was not directed at the Republic of Cyprus, the bases”.

“There was no incident,” he clarified. 

Letymbiotis said “the final direction was in the broader region.” 

He added that a similar situation arose on Wednesday night and the alarm ended at 11.15pm as there was no incident. 

“An incident means there is an object. What we are doing is evaluating every piece of information and indication, and activating the measures and protocols,” he explained.

Asked if these objects could be intercepted by another country before reaching Cyprus, Letymbiotis said if it had, it would indeed be an incident and, faithful to the government’s “declared transparency”, the public would have been notified.