The National Guard and the US Armed Forces jointly organised the “PROTEAS – 04” Special Operations Training Exercise, which focused on the planning and execution of special operations.

The exercise took place between February 17-28 and part of it was attended by the Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General George Tsitsikostas and US Ambassador, Julie Davis.

The exercise, according to a statement by the National Guard, was within the framework of the Bilateral Defense Cooperation Program between the Republic of Cyprus and the United States.

The exercise included “various special preration scenarios, with particular emphasis on training in underwater explosives placement and target engagement, as well as practicing exit procedures on a hostile shore.”

It contributed to increasing the level of mutual understanding, exchange of know-how and interoperability during their planning and execution, the announcement said.

The activity is part of the constant upgrade of the National Guard and the multi-level military cooperation of the Armed Forces of Cyprus and the US, with the aim of jointly promoting the level of operational readiness of the participants.