Gunfire Will Be Heard in Nicosia. Police Announce Anti-Terrorism Drills

The Nicosia counter-terrorism exercise will take place on Friday, October 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at the Central Bank of Cyprus. As part of Operation Chrysos 2026, increased police, fire, ambulance, and bank security forces will be deployed to the area.

Police are warning residents about the use of blank ammunition. Therefore, sounds of gunfire may be heard in the vicinity of the building. The announced mobilization of services and the activities carried out as part of the exercise are part of a prepared training scenario.

Anti-terrorist exercises in Nicosia will last two hours

"Chrysos 2026" will be a full-force field exercise. The scenario involves simulating a terrorist incident that threatens the security of the Central Bank of Cyprus.

Various units and services of the Cyprus Police, paramedics, firefighters and bank security staff will take part in the operations.

People living, working, or traveling nearby should expect an increased number of officers and emergency vehicles. Police are providing advance notice of the event to ensure the sight and sounds of the mobilization do not cause unnecessary anxiety.

Important for the residents of Nicosia

Exercise "Chrysos 2026"

Deadline

Friday, October 16, 2026

Hours

9:00–11:00 Cyprus time

Place

Central Bank of Cyprus in Nicosia

What can you expect?

Increased presence of services and sounds of gunfire associated with the use of blank ammunition.

The times listed are for the planned exercise. Officers' instructions must be followed.

What will the services check during the simulation?

The main goal is to assess the effectiveness of the bank's security measures and its preparedness to respond to threats. The exercise will also test the coordination of actions by state institutions and the facility's security.

In a crisis, the actions of a single unit are not the only factors that matter. Equally important are the exchange of information, the division of responsibilities, and the cooperation of services performing various tasks.

The simulation will allow for practice of these elements in conditions similar to those of a real intervention. It will also allow for an assessment of current procedures and the identification of areas requiring improvement.

The operation is part of ongoing cooperation between the Cyprus Police and the Central Bank of Cyprus.

Where will the sounds of gunfire come from?

Police announced the use of blank cartridges at the designated training area. Their use could cause loud noises that could be heard in the vicinity of the bank.

For those who haven't seen the previous announcement, these sounds, combined with the presence of numerous officers, may seem unsettling. Therefore, it's worth spreading the word to those working or living in the area.

This announcement refers to a specific facility and a two-hour time frame. It does not mean that the exercise will be conducted throughout Nicosia.

Will there be traffic disruptions?

The aforementioned announcement did not indicate specific streets to be closed or detours. Therefore, there is no basis for announcing a blockade of the city center.

However, drivers should exercise caution near the exercise area and allow emergency vehicles to pass. If time restrictions are in place, please follow signage and police instructions.

For residents, the most important information is simple: On Friday, between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m., training activities using blank ammunition are planned in the area of the Central Bank of Cyprus.

Sources: Cyprus Police, Philenews.