An Iranian missile hitting Israel (Image: GETTY)
Since America and Israel attacked Iran over the weekend, the country has continued it’s bombardment of neighbouring countries. This terrifying show of force has hit the likes of Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Lebanon. Tourism hotsports such as Dubai in the UAE have also been hit with pictures showing damage to multiple luxury hotels despite the fact US military bases in the regions are thought to have been the original targets.
What’s more, British bases have also been struck, most notably, the RAF’s base on Cyprus. Meanwhile, American officials have confirmed three of its members were killed in the Iran operation, raising fears about further deterioration in the Middle East.
With the escalation in tensions and military actions, there is concern that the violence could expand beyond the Middle East. The reason for this is because Iran’s munitions have the ability to go far beyond just the likes of Bahrain and the UAE. It has been reported that Iran’s missiles have a range of around 1,240 miles (1,984km), reports the Mirror.
The circumference of their range is enough for Iran’s missiles to reach as far away as two other holiday hotspots loved by British holidaymakers as well as Cyprus and Dubai – Egypt and Turkey.
Although neither have as yet been targeted, both do have US military bases on them, including the Incirlik Air Base in the Turkish city of Adana. This base currently holds around 5,000 USAF personnel. Furthermore, there is also a US military presence in Egypt, although it is less clear which base(s) they are stationed at.
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A google maps screenshot (Image: Google Maps)
Full list of countries within Iran’s missile range
Attacks ongoing
Although the attacks began over the weekend, they have continued into today (Monday, March 2). In response, the British Ministry of Defence announcing that families will be moved following an reported Iranian drone strike on RAF Akrotiri overnight.
In a statement, they said: « 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. »
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has also addressed in the situation. In a statement on the evolving situation in Iran, he said around 200,000 British citizens were in the region and encouraged them to register their presence and to follow travel advice.
Dubai has also been struck (Image: Bloomberg, Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The Prime Minister said: « 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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