UK Ministry of Defence has denied reports that a UK vessel in the eastern Mediterranean was damaged by fire from Lebanese territory.

A source told the PA news agency that the UK Ministry of Defence has denied reports that a UK vessel in the eastern Mediterranean was damaged by fire from Lebanese territory. However, a Ministry of Defence (MoD) source said that the claims were false.

On Sunday afternoon, rumours emerged alleging that a Royal Navy vessel had been damaged after being mistaken for an Israeli ship and targeted. However, a Ministry of Defence source confirmed that no such incident had occurred. The eastern Mediterranean is currently home to the Type 45 destroyer HMS Dragon. According to officials, its mission is to help protect British air bases in Cyprus amid heightened regional tensions.

HMS Dragon. forms part of the UK's broader military presence

The warship forms part of the UK's broader military presence in the region and is responsible for defending British bases and allied nations against threats, including Iranian-made drones and other aerial weapons. At the same time, the UK has carried on with its defensive operations in the region. According to the Ministry of Defence, RAF Regiment gunners have successfully intercepted multiple Iranian drones targeting British air bases.

Continuous defensive patrols over the eastern Mediterranean

Moreover, there have been continuous defensive patrols over the eastern Mediterranean, as well as in Jordan, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, by UK air assets. These assets include Typhoon and F-35 fighter jets, supported by Voyager refuelling aircraft and Royal Navy Merlin and Wildcat helicopters.

About : HMS Dragon (D35)

HMS Dragon (D35) is a Royal Navy Type 45 or Daring-class guided-missile destroyer, commissioned in 2012 and renowned for the large red Welsh Dragon on its bow. It is one of the world's most advanced air-defence warships, designed to protect fleets against aircraft and missiles using Sea Viper missiles, and is recently active in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Related : An Iranian drone strike has hit MSC Ishyka, a vessel linked to Israel.

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