England is adding another 150 Royal Marines to Cyprus’ anti-terrorist units who will help patrol the seas around the island that’s close to the troubled Middle East.

Quoting military sources, the Daily Star said the group, which would be under the command of the Director of Special Forces and the Chief of the Defence Staff, would act as “first responders” to any terrorist attack.

The decision was taken by the UK’s Ministry of Defence, fearing a repeat of last year’s terrorist attack in a Tunisia tourist resort in which 30 British tourists were killed.

Mail Online said that the force would be led by Royal Marines but could also involve members of the elite SAS in the event of an attack.

ABritish bases in Cyprus spokesperson told the Cyprus Mail that, “The special purpose task group is designed to organize an agile force of Royal Marine Commandos and equipment into one ship for a range of military operations in support of UK interests.”

The Daily Star also reported the unit would be based on the RFA ship Fort Victoria and supported by two Merlin helicopters.