Explosives have gone missing from a military site in Cyprus. About 13.6 kilograms of TNT disappeared after a planned explosion did not work. This happened at a firing range. The National Guard and the Cyprus Police are now investigating. They are worried the explosives could be used by the wrong people.
The missing TNT was in two parts, each weighing 6.8 kilograms. They were meant to be destroyed during a training exercise. The exercise was at the Kalo Chorio firing range. The plan was to make the explosives safe. However, the explosion did not happen as planned. This led to the discovery that the explosives were gone.
A spokesman for the Defence Ministry said that safety rules were followed. A one-hour waiting period was kept around the area. Then, trainees went to check the site. They found that the two explosive devices were not there. This was a surprise and caused worry. The spokesman said, "That’s when the concern arose."
An investigation started right away. A drone looked from the sky, and people searched the ground. They did not find any sign of the TNT. The area was made safe by police. Statements were taken from the people who were there. The chief of the National Guard also visited the site. A training exercise planned for the next day was postponed.
Investigators have two main ideas. The explosives might have been stolen. Or, it is possible they exploded by themselves without anyone noticing. The reason the planned explosion failed is also being studied. Losing military explosives is a serious problem. It is important to find the missing TNT and find out who is responsible. Security measures are being improved.