The Aspides Operation, launched on February 19, 2024, based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 2722 (2024) under the framework of the European Union (EU) Security,[1] and Defense Policy to prevent Houthi attacks ongoing in the Red Sea, has been insufficient in preventing increased attacks on Greek-owned, operated, flagged vessels, or vessels carrying cargo to/from Greek ports in recent times.[2] It has been stated by Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, the Greek commander of the operation, that it has been inadequate in prevention.[3]
he operation, supported by both Greece in terms of headquarters and elements, has been partially successful in halting the attacks in terms of ship numbers and capabilities.[4] However, details concerning a development that will further trouble all EU countries, especially Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus (GCASC), regarding the Israel-Hamas War, are explained below.
Recently, especially following reports[5] that GCASC has been used as a base for Israel’s attacks on Gaza, Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah’s statement has gained prominence.[6] Nasrallah warned that GCASC would become a target if they assist Israel in a potential war between Lebanese militant groups and Israel. He stated, “The possibility of a comprehensive war in Lebanon is very close, and if Lebanon opens its airports and bases to Israeli forces, [Southern] Cyprus will also be part of this war.
“GCASC Prime Minister Nikos Christodoulides, stating ‘we have absolutely no connection to war’ and that ‘communication lines with the governments of Lebanon and Iran are open,’ along with EU Spokesperson Peter Stano using the statement ‘Any threat against one of our member states is a threat against the EU,’ emphasized the indivisible solidarity with [Southern] Cyprus. Greek authorities emphasized that this would constitute a violation of the UN Charter.”
GCASC conducted a joint exercise with the Israeli Air Force (IAF) in May 2023, focusing on a scenario involving Israeli jets stationed at air bases in GCASC and a preemptive strike scenario.[7] It is assessed that Nasrallah aims to apply international pressure on Israel to prevent a major preemptive strike similar to the large-scale air attacks that Israel has frequently resorted to in the past, such as during the Six-Day War or the Second Lebanon War in 2006.
The bases of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, owned by the United Kingdom and located within a 45-minute flight distance to Beirut, Lebanon, are claimed to provide support to anti-Hezbollah forces in Lebanon. These bases make up approximately three percent of the land area of the island of Cyprus and are considered “sovereign British bases,” where British law applies as they are regarded as British territory.[8] The usage of the aforementioned bases, which serve as starting points for Britain’s military missions in the Middle East as well as Asia, has sparked debates especially after Brexit. Concerns have arisen regarding the lack of adequate information provided to GCASC authorities about the executed missions, and both bases being within Hezbollah’s missile range and near Limasol, the largest port of Cyprus. The British Ministry of Defence spokesperson stated in response to the issue that “the primary objectives include supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces in maintaining Lebanon’s security and providing assistance in training and exercises.”
The use of British bases on the island of Cyprus in the event of the conflict spreading to Lebanon and attacks implies that the EU would be involved in the war, as mentioned above. This situation will not change whether the bases on the island have independent status or whether the UK is no longer a member of the EU, and the bases will become open targets for Hezbollah. This situation will significantly adversely affect the balances in the region, including not only EU member GCASC and Greece but also Turkey.
As a result, taking such a risk would not be desired by the EU, the United States entering elections in November, Iran, or Lebanon, given the circumstances. In the event of a possible Hezbollah attack on GCASC, the EU’s stance will be scrutinized as a test of unity and unanimity within the Union, highlighting diplomacy as the most rational path to resolving issues before reaching this point.
[1] Ferhan Oral, “Kızıldeniz’de AB Deniz Harekâtı: Aspides”, ANKASAM, https://www.ankasam.org/kizildenizde-ab-deniz-harekati-aspides/, (Access Date: 01.07.2024).
[2] “Houthis Attacked Greek-Owned Ship off Yemen”, This is Beirut, https://thisisbeirut.com.lb/world/259441, (Access Date: 01.07.2024); Kathryn Armstrong, “Red Sea attacks: Greek vessel hit by missile fired by Houthi rebels”, BBC News, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67992600, (Access Date: 01.07.2024).
[3] “EU naval mission falls apart against Yemen”, The Cradle.co., https://thecradle.co/articles-id/24740#:~:text=Rear%20Admiral%20Vasileios%20Gryparis%2C%20the,to%20German%20news%20outlet%20Spiegel, (Access Date: 02.07.2024).
[4] “The crew of the frigate HYDRA in a hearing with the Chief of HNDGS on the grotesque events that took place in the Red Sea”, Ieidiseis.com, https://www.ieidiseis.gr/ellada/251828/se-akroasi-apo-ton-arxigo-geetha-to-pliroma-tis-fregatas-ydra-gia-ta-osa-tragelafika-synevisan-stin-erythra-thalassa, (Access Date: 02.07.2024); Jake Epstein ve Ryan Pickrell, “German frigate Hessen accidentally opened fire on an American drone, nearly costing the US another Reaper in its Red Sea fight”, Business Insider, https://www.businessinsider.com/german-warship-accidentally-opened-fire-us-military-reaper-drone-2024-2, (Access Date: 02.07.2024).
[5] “Military planes reportedly sent to Lebanon from Akrotiri”, Cyprus Mail, https://cyprus-mail.com/2024/06/30/military-planes-reportedly-sent-to-lebanon-from-akrotiri/, (Access Date i: 02.07.2024); “UK bases in Cyprus could be key for Western fight against Houthis”, Philenews, https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/local/uk-bases-in-cyprus-could-be-key-for-western-fight-against-, (Access Date: 02.07.2024); Andrew Wilks, “UK’s alleged use of Cyprus bases to arm Israel and hit Yemen draw protests”, Aljazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/15/uk-bases-in-cyprus-protests, (Access Date: 02.07.2024).
[6] Nadeen Ebrahim, “Why Hezbollah is threatening this tiny European country”, CNN, https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/20/middleeast/hezbollah-warns-cyprus-israel-gaza-war-explainer-mime-intl, (Access Date: 02.07.2024).
[7] Siener Van Rensburg, “Any Doubt This Is the DV – NATO 250 Tsunami – Iran and Hezbollah have decided to strike Cyprus together with Israel”, https://worldeventssienervanrensburg.wordpress.com/2024/07/02/any-doubt-this-is-the-dv-nato-250-tsunami-iran-and-hezbollah-have-decided-to-strike-cyprus-together-with-israel/, World Events Siener Van Rensburg, (Access Date: 02.07.2024).
[8] Ulvi Keser, Gökhan Ak, “Kıbrıs’ta Egemen İngiliz Üsleri’nin Nitelikleri, Küresel Bağlantı ve Önemleri”, 9. Uluslararası Kıbrıs Araştırmaları Kongreleri Bildirileri, s.111-127.
