Counter-terrorism drills to be held at the Central Bank of Cyprus

On Friday, October 16, 2026, the Central Bank of Cyprus will host a large-scale counter-terrorism exercise codenamed Chrysos 2026. The drills are scheduled to take place between 09:00 and 11:00 local time. The event aims to evaluate security measures and coordination procedures between various state and private entities in the event of a simulated terrorist attack on the bank's premises.

The exercise involves a full-scale deployment of personnel, including police units, medical services, the fire department, and the Central Bank’s internal security staff. Authorities have explicitly warned the public that the operation will include the use of blank ammunition to create a realistic operational environment.

The Cyprus Police has assured residents and the public that the increased presence of emergency services and the sound of gunfire are strictly part of the scheduled training. No actual threat to the public exists, and officials have emphasized that all activities are confined to the defined exercise parameters as part of a routine readiness assessment.