Stash of explosives found in cemetery
Fact: Police arrested a 46-year-old man after finding a large stash of firearms and explosives in an Orokolini cemetery.
explosives
One day we flood, the next day we burn
Two major wildfires have already occurred in Cyprus, one due to mishandling of explosives and the other for unknown reasons. Despite the country’s vulnerability to wildfires due to its dry climate, efforts to acquire aerial firefighting assets have been unsuccessful. Assistance from neighbouring countries, such as Jordan, has been requested during emergencies. The lack of proper firefighting resources has resulted in devastating consequences, with firefighters losing their lives and significant areas of land being burned. The country faces a state of neglect and lack of progress in crucial projects.
Paphos man, 82, arrested after firing shotgun over loud music complaint; four injured
An 82-year-old man in Paphos fired a shotgun into the air to stop late-night music from a nearby recreation centre, resulting in minor injuries to four patrons. He faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, bodily harm, and firearm offences. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Police report no firecracker injuries during easter
No injuries from firecrackers were reported during the Easter holidays. Approximately 5,500 firecrackers were confiscated island wide and 12 people were charged in writing for illegal possession of fireworks and other explosives.
Sea drone warfare has arrived. The U.S. is floundering
The U.S. Navy is facing challenges in building a fleet of unmanned vessels due to a focus on big shipbuilding projects, despite the demonstrated effectiveness of sea drones in combat situations. The Pentagon is now incorporating lessons from Ukraine and the Red Sea to counter China’s naval power in the Pacific, launching the Replicator initiative to deploy small air and sea drones. This initiative aims to match China’s military threat and is funded by reallocating funds from the existing Pentagon budget. The use of sea drones for maritime surveillance, minehunting, and protection of critical infrastructure is seen as crucial, with the U.S. Navy testing unmanned vessels in combat scenarios and expanding their use in different regions. Companies like Saildrone and Ocean Aero are actively involved in supplying autonomous vessels to the Navy, showing the increasing focus on deploying sea drones quickly to stay ahead in naval warfare.
Four persons were arrested for the attack on an elderly man’s house in Kiti
Four persons, all minors aged 14 to 16, were arrested by the Police today based on court warrants. They are being held in custody to aid in the investigation of several offenses including causing malicious damage, conspiracy to commit a felony, and illegal possession of explosives. The Kiti Police Station is working with the Larnaca Police Station on the ongoing investigations.
Ministers meet on fireworks regulation
Fact: Agriculture and Justice Ministers Maria Panayiotou and Marios Hartsiotis held a meeting with representatives of the police force to review the framework governing fireworks usage and discuss potential enhancements. Panayiotou announced the revocation of all permits for fireworks following large fires near Limassol and Paphos caused by explosives and fireworks. They will decide how to address the whole issue in the coming days.
Israel, Lebanon’s Hezbollah trade heavy fire, sources in Lebanon say
Hezbollah fired rockets at an Israeli town and Israel responded with heavy airstrikes on a Lebanese town near the border. The hostilities between the two sides have escalated, with Hezbollah launching drone attacks on Israeli military bases. The violence has resulted in casualties on both sides, with more than 70 civilians killed in Lebanon and 18 people killed in Israel.
Devastating Limassol fire blamed on improper explosives disposal
A large fire broke out in the Limassol State Forest, believed to have been caused by explosives detonated in a quarry. The decision to destroy explosives without safety precautions has been criticized, leading to an administrative investigation. The Minister of Agriculture rushed to the scene as the fire continued to burn, with multiple firefighting assets deployed and residents in Vasa Kellakiou evacuated.