HIBAPRESS
British Defense Secretary, John Healey, spoke on Thursday about the possibility of Russia influencing Iran's use of drones in its war with the United States and Israel.
Healey said that Russian President Vladimir Putin's "hidden hand" may be behind some of the tactics Tehran is using in the Middle East conflict, which began when the United States and Israel struck Iran on February 28th. He told reporters that officials are analyzing an Iranian-made drone that struck the British Akrotiri air base in Cyprus on March 1st "to look for any evidence of Russian components and parts or any other foreign components and parts." He added during a visit to the British military headquarters in Northwood, near London: "We will keep you updated and publish any results (…) when we get them." He continued: "But I believe (…) that Putin's hidden hand is behind some of the Iranian tactics, and perhaps some of their capabilities as well, especially since one of the world leaders benefiting from the current rise in oil prices is Putin." Russia is a close ally of Iran, and the two countries agreed last year to assist each other in facing "common threats." Nick Berry, the head of joint operations in the British army, informed Healey that there is "conclusive" evidence of a link between Russia and Iran, including Iran's use of drones "as learned from the Russians." There were no injuries when the drone struck an aircraft hangar at Akrotiri. On the same day, British fighter jets shot down two other drones that were heading to the base. Likewise, Guy Foden, a commander in the British army, told Healey that British forces stationed at a military base that includes international coalition forces in Erbil helped shoot down two Iranian drones on Wednesday. (Sky News)
