LARNACA, Cyprus – Senior officials from countries like Algeria, Iraq, and Georgia have gathered at a modest facility in Cyprus for advanced training led by top U.S. experts. Their focus: preventing materials that could be used to create weapons of mass destruction from entering their borders.
In just three years of operation, the U.S.-backed Cyprus Centre for Land, Open Seas and Port Security (CYCLOPS) has surpassed initial expectations. Originally, the center aimed to offer around a dozen courses yearly; however, this figure has skyrocketed—to over 50 training sessions planned for next year, according to the center’s director, Chrysilios Chrysiliou.
Over 2,000 officials from 20 different countries, including Yemen, Libya, Armenia, and Ukraine, have undergone training in areas such as radiological and nuclear detection, methods of countering weapons of mass destruction smuggling, and chemical terrorism investigations, among other topics.
This week, a seminar focusing on maritime cybersecurity commenced, featuring participants from Cyprus and Egypt who are being instructed by experts from Sandia National Laboratories in the U.S.
The unique offering of CYCLOPS has led to unforeseen success, Chrysiliou noted. The center’s achievements are largely attributed to the high-caliber instruction provided by specialists from U.S. institutions such as the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, both of which have expertise in counter-proliferation programs.
Furthermore, the center is equipped with state-of-the-art detectors capable of identifying radiological, chemical, biological agents, and explosives—technologies that are often unavailable in many neighboring countries. “Participants can see the latest technology for detecting a wide array of threats,” Chrysiliou explained. “It’s a showcase of what tools are available on the market.”
As part of their training, participants learn to identify and safely dispose of radiological components found in discarded medical devices that might be exploited for malicious purposes. Another growing concern is the potential use of commercial drones to distribute chemical or biological agents over populated areas.
CYCLOPS exemplifies the increasingly close defense and security relationships between Cyprus and the U.S., garnering high praise from officials, including those at the White House. During a recent meeting between Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and U.S. President Joe Biden, CYCLOPS was highlighted as a key instance of strengthened bilateral security cooperation.
The center was established with a $7 million grant from the U.S. government, with $2 million allocated specifically for border security technologies. Given Cyprus’s geographical proximity to the Middle East, this facility serves as a vital resource for training officials from a region that typically has limited access to such opportunities. Additionally, the Cypriot government has secured $5.6 million in European Union funding for further developments and advanced equipment purchases.
The center’s appeal also includes its convenient location near Larnaca’s main international airport and close proximity to high-quality accommodations in this tourism-centric nation.
Plans are in motion to acquire a comprehensive virtual reality training system that will allow officials to rehearse responses to biological, chemical, and radiological threats in a secure environment. Chrysiliou is in regular contact with Kevin Keeler from the U.S. State Department’s Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) program, who describes the VR addition as a “game-changer.”
Although the center currently possesses limited quantities of hazardous materials for practical training, a virtual simulator would greatly enhance its educational offerings. “We’re already getting inquiries from agencies looking to schedule training next year, even before the system is built,” Keeler remarked. “It’s a crucial focus in today’s world.”
While CYCLOPS hasn’t yet shown headline results regarding seizures of WMD materials at borders, Chrysiliou emphasizes that it is equally vital to convey that trained professionals have the capabilities to monitor and prevent potential threats.
“If we enhance the border-control skills of officials from Iraq, Yemen, Libya, or elsewhere, it not only bolsters their safety but also contributes to a more secure environment for their citizens,” Chrysiliou concluded.