The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued a statement clarifying that the French aircraft operating against ‘Islamic State’ forces in Syria and Iraq will be allowed to use the RAF Akrotiri as a “diversionary runway” and not to launch strikes.
The clarification follows Prime Minister Cameron’s announcement from Paris that he has offered the French the use of the British military base in Cyprus.
In its statement the MoD describes the offer as an “act of solidarity” and explains that under the agreement “the French will not be launching strikes from RAF Akrotiri against ISIL but it could be used if a diversionary runway is required for any reason.” The offer, says the MoD, has been strongly supported by UK, Cypriot and French governments.
The French fighter jets have already started using the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to launch their strikes.
The UK Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “This offer is another demonstration of our solidarity with our French allies. It is right that we do all we can to help them hit ISIL harder. Meanwhile, we will continue to strike this vile organisation in Iraq and build the case for extending those strikes to Syria.”