National Guard investigation follows fire at Kalo Chorio shooting range

On July 27, 2026, a fire broke out at the Kalo Chorio shooting range in the Larnaca district during a joint military exercise conducted by the Cypriot National Guard and a friendly nation. Strong winds caused the fire to spread toward the nearby village of Agia Anna, raising significant concerns for surrounding communities. While the fire was eventually extinguished, the incident sparked intense political controversy, with some critics demanding the resignation of the President, the Minister of Defense, and senior military leadership.

In response to the incident, the National Guard General Staff has launched an internal investigation to determine the causes of the fire and identify any potential criminal or disciplinary liabilities. Brigadier Savvas Stefanou has been appointed as the lead investigator. However, the appointment has drawn criticism from some media outlets and military observers, who argue that assigning a brigadier to investigate the incident may insulate higher-ranking officials from accountability. The official results of the investigation are expected to be released by the end of the current week.