In a remarkable display of international cooperation, the Cyprus Centre for Land, Open Seas and Port Security (CYCLOPS) in Larnaca, Cyprus, has emerged as a vital training ground for senior government officials from various countries to combat the spread of materials used in the construction of weapons of mass destruction.
Established just three years ago, CYCLOPS has exceeded expectations by offering a diverse range of courses to officials from countries such as Algeria, Iraq, Georgia, Yemen, Libya, Armenia, and Ukraine. The center has witnessed a surge in demand, with over 2,000 officials trained so far and more than 50 training sessions scheduled for the upcoming year.
The success of CYCLOPS can be attributed to the high-quality instruction provided by top U.S. experts from renowned institutions like the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Participants benefit from cutting-edge detectors capable of identifying radiological, chemical, and biological threats, as well as explosives.
One of the key focuses of the training is on detecting and disposing of radiological elements that could be repurposed by militants to create weapons. Additionally, officials are educated on emerging threats such as the potential use of drones to disperse harmful agents.
The center's strategic location near Cyprus' main international airport and its proximity to neighboring countries in the Middle East make it an ideal hub for training officials from the region. The U.S. government initially provided a $7 million grant for the center's establishment, with additional funding secured from the European Union for expansion and procurement of advanced equipment.
Plans are underway to introduce a virtual reality system for training on biological, chemical, and radiological agents, further enhancing the center's capabilities. The implementation of this system is anticipated to revolutionize training methods and attract interest from various agencies.
While CYCLOPS has yet to report any high-profile cases of seizing WMD materials, its primary objective is to serve as a deterrent by equipping professionals with the necessary skills to prevent proliferation. By empowering officials from countries like Iraq, Yemen, and Libya to enhance border control measures, CYCLOPS aims to contribute to global security and safety.
