Larnaca, Cyprus. Members of the National Guard have been disciplined following an internal investigation into the disappearance of 13.6 kilograms of explosives from a military firing range earlier this year. The defence ministry has not disclosed how many individuals were sanctioned or the nature of the penalties imposed.
Internal disciplinary process
According to information reported by Reporter, the matter is being handled internally and details of the disciplinary measures will not be made public. Those involved were given an opportunity to respond to the findings before final decisions were taken.
Findings of the investigation
Sources cited in the report said the investigation identified failures in procedures and oversight but found no evidence of deliberate wrongdoing. Defence ministry sources said this was why no criminal offences were established against any individual.
Missing explosives remain unaccounted for
The disappearance of the explosives was reported during a military exercise at the Kalo Chorio firing range in January and remains unsolved. A separate police investigation was reportedly shelved in April after authorities were unable to determine how the explosives disappeared or identify those responsible.
Security concerns at the training area
No new evidence has emerged since the police inquiry was halted. The incident has continued to raise concerns over security arrangements at military training areas and the whereabouts of the missing material.
Scenarios examined by investigators
Investigators examined a number of scenarios, including the possibility that the explosives had been stolen, but were unable to establish what happened. Authorities have also not linked the missing explosives to any criminal incidents involving explosive devices reported since January.
Access points under scrutiny
The report said investigators also looked into information concerning individuals who were in the vicinity of the firing range on the day of the exercise, but no evidence emerged connecting them to the case. Questions were also raised about access to the training area, as the firing range has multiple entry and exit points, making it difficult to monitor the entire site at all times.
