A British citizen has been taken into custody in Cyprus on suspicion of engaging in espionage and terrorism-related activities. Reports indicate that he was conducting surveillance on the RAF Akrotiri base on the island and is believed to have ties to Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

RAF Akrotiri plays a crucial role as the primary airbase for UK operations in the Middle East. According to local media outlet Philenews, the individual was apprehended following intelligence suggesting that he was plotting an imminent terrorist attack.

Following his arrest on Friday, the man appeared before a district court on Saturday. He has been remanded in custody for eight days as investigations continue. Authorities have refrained from disclosing further information, citing national security concerns.

It is alleged that the suspect resided in a flat near Akrotiri in Zakaki, Limassol. He was reportedly seen near the base carrying a camera with a long lens and three mobile phones. Additionally, he is said to have been surveilling the Cyprus Andreas Papandreou airbase in Paphos since mid-April.

Although initial reports indicated that the individual may have been Azerbaijani, the UK Foreign Office has confirmed that they are collaborating with Cypriot authorities in relation to the arrest of a British national. A spokesperson from the Foreign Office stated that they are actively engaged with the local authorities on this matter.

The incident has raised concerns about security at RAF bases, especially in the wake of recent events where Palestine Action activists breached the Brize Norton base in Oxfordshire and caused damage to two aircraft. RAF Brize Norton serves as a critical hub for UK strategic air transport and refuelling operations, including flights to RAF Akrotiri.