A small facility in Larnaca, Cyprus, called CYCLOPS, funded by the U.S., has been providing training to senior government officials from countries like Algeria, Iraq, and Georgia to prevent the smuggling of materials used to build weapons of mass destruction across borders. In just its third year of operation, CYCLOPS has surpassed expectations, with demand for training sessions exceeding initial estimates. The center has trained over 2,000 officials from 20 countries on topics such as radiological and nuclear detection, methods of smuggling WMDs, and chemical terrorism investigations.
The success of CYCLOPS has been attributed to the high-quality instruction provided by U.S.-based experts specializing in counter-proliferation programs. The center also boasts cutting-edge detectors capable of detecting radiological, chemical, biological agents, and explosives. Trainees are taught to detect and dispose of radiological elements that could be used to fashion weapons, as well as address emerging threats like the use of drones to disperse harmful agents. The center’s proximity to the Middle East has made it a valuable training resource for officials from the region, who may otherwise have limited access to such training.
CYCLOPS has been a testament to the close defense and security ties between Cyprus and the U.S., with support from top U.S. officials. The center was built on a $7 million U.S. government grant, with additional EU funding secured for its expansion and enhancement. The center’s strategic location near Cyprus’ main international airport and top-flight accommodations has made it an attractive training destination. Plans are in place to acquire a virtual reality system for training on biological, chemical, and radiological agents, which is expected to significantly enhance the center’s training capacity.
While CYCLOPS has yet to have headline-grabbing cases of seized WMD materials, its primary focus is on deterrence through training trained professionals to effectively control borders and prevent the dispersion of dangerous materials. The goal is to send a message that countries have the means and tools to detect and stop the smuggling of WMDs. By empowering officials from countries like Iraq, Yemen, and Libya to better secure their borders, CYCLOPS aims to enhance the safety and security of their citizens. The center’s effectiveness as a training resource has garnered interest from various U.S. and international agencies, highlighting its value in enhancing security cooperation in the region.
