**Title: National Guard Personnel Disciplined Over Missing Explosives Case**
Members of the National Guard in Cyprus have faced disciplinary action following an internal investigation into the disappearance of 13.6 kilograms of explosives from a military firing range in Larnaca earlier this year. The incident, which occurred during a military exercise, has raised significant concerns regarding security protocols at military training sites.
The Ministry of Defence has not disclosed the exact number of personnel sanctioned or the specific nature of the penalties imposed. Reports indicate that the disciplinary measures are being handled internally, and further details regarding the case will not be made public. According to sources, those involved were given the opportunity to respond to the investigation's findings before any final decisions were made.
The investigation revealed procedural failures and a lack of oversight but did not uncover evidence of intentional wrongdoing. As a result, no criminal charges have been filed against any individual involved in the incident, according to ministry sources. The explosives were reported missing on January 29 during an engineering exercise at the Kalo Chorio firing range. After a planned detonation failed to occur, personnel adhered to safety protocols and waited before returning to the site, only to find that the explosives were no longer present.
Following the report of the missing explosives, military authorities and local police initiated investigations, sealing off the area and collecting witness statements. Despite these efforts, a separate police investigation was reportedly shelved in April due to a lack of evidence regarding how the explosives disappeared or who might be responsible. Investigators considered various scenarios, including the possibility of theft, but were unable to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Concerns have been raised about the security arrangements at military training areas, particularly given that the firing range has multiple entry and exit points, complicating monitoring efforts. Investigators also looked into individuals who were present at the firing range on the day of the exercise, but no connections to the missing explosives were established.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the disappearance of the explosives has prompted discussions about the adequacy of security measures in place at military facilities. The incident has not been linked to any criminal activities involving explosive devices reported since January, alleviating fears of a broader security threat.
As the investigation remains unresolved, the National Guard and the Defence Ministry continue to face scrutiny regarding their handling of the situation and the effectiveness of their operational protocols. The missing explosives have yet to be recovered, leaving unanswered questions about their fate and the implications for military security in Cyprus.