Parliamentary defense committee to review operations at Kalo Chorio and Tseri firing ranges

The Cypriot parliamentary Defense Committee is set to re-examine the operations of the military firing ranges in Kalo Chorio and Tseri. The review follows a significant fire that occurred last summer at the Kalo Chorio facility, which was ignited during military training activities amidst extreme heat and weather warnings. The incident caused widespread concern as the fire threatened residential areas in nearby communities, including Agia Anna, Psevdas, Mosfiloti, and Pyrga.

In response to the crisis, Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas and the Chief of the National Guard held meetings with local community leaders. They agreed on several immediate safety measures, including the tightening of military protocols and a review of standing orders regarding live fire exercises. Planned actions include the maintenance of fire safety zones and the potential installation of a permanent surveillance system using staff or cameras. While local communities have frequently requested the relocation of these ranges, the Ministry of Defense and the National Guard have categorically rejected such proposals for the Kalo Chorio site. Further deliberations on these protocols and safety mechanisms are expected to continue in the upcoming parliamentary session.