The House Defense Committee discussed today the issues arising from the Tseri and Kalo Chorio firing ranges in Larnaca and was briefed on the matter by Defense Minister Vasilis Palma and other relevant officials.
In remarks made after the meeting of the Parliamentary Defense Committee, during which issues arising from the firing ranges in Tseri and Kalo Chorio were discussed, the Committee Chair and ELAM MP, Evgenios Hamboullas, commented on all firing ranges and military camps, stating that “unfortunately, we have failed as a state to plan the siting of facilities that are necessary for the training and operational capability of the National Guard.”
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He also noted that the planning for the siting of these facilities was haphazard, a fact that is currently causing many problems that cannot be solved as if by magic.
At the same time, he expressed the need for immediate cooperation between the Ministries of Defense and the Interior in order to develop a holistic approach to site selection, as well as safety conditions and regulations.
As he said, it is unthinkable that there would be no security perimeter around the military camps and that some people, by exerting pressure, are creating residential areas right next to them and demanding the removal of either military camps or firing ranges.
He noted that the concerns of the neighboring communities are understandable and that a detailed examination of the issues that arise should be conducted, leading to a comprehensive resolution.
DISY MP Prodromos Alambritis, said in his remarks that the concerns of residents and community leaders in the areas surrounding the Kalo Chorio firing range were conveyed today to the Defense Committee.
“This issue arose following the fire that broke out last July, after a National Guard exercise. We experienced unprecedented moments; communities were evacuated, property was endangered, and communities were at risk—and we conveyed this to the Committee. We understand the security and defense issues facing our country, especially since our country is still under partial occupation, and we recognize the National Guard’s need for training and exercises, but what we urgently requested today is that a study be conducted to determine whether another location can be found to relocate the firing range,” he added.
He also noted that, in the meantime until this becomes feasible—and if possible—they have requested additional safety measures for the residents and communities of the Tremithos River area.
“The safety of residents is paramount; that is why the Ministry of Defense and the National Guard are called upon to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of residents in these areas,” he added.
AKEL MP Valentinos Fakontis, in remarks regarding the Tseri firing range, said that this is an issue that has been of concern to the Defense Committee since 2014, as residential development in the area has brought homes within a stone’s throw of the firing range, raising legitimate concerns about residents’ safety.
“The need to relocate it has become even more urgent, especially following today’s announcement that a new high school is planned to be built just 800 meters from the firing range. In the past, plans were drawn up to relocate the firing range to Analionta. However, the effort did not proceed due to property issues involving Church-owned land. In August 2026, the Minister of Defense announced the closure of the Tseri Shooting Range. “Therefore, we requested today to be briefed on the plans and specific timelines for implementing this announcement,” he added.
Unfortunately, Mr. Fakontis said, they have not yet received clear answers from the Ministry.
“We call on the Ministry of Defense to present a specific plan and binding timelines for the relocation of the firing range. It has already been 12 years since the issue was brought before Parliament. This unresolved matter cannot continue indefinitely, especially when it concerns the safety of the area’s residents. “Announcements must be accompanied by realistic planning, specific timelines, and, above all, action,” he noted.
AKEL MP Andreas Pasiourtides, in remarks regarding the Kalo Chorio firing range in Larnaca, said that the firing range, which has been operating there for fifty-odd years, “we believe a way must be found to relocate it, because given the current situation on the ground, the residential areas of all the communities are so close that it poses a tremendous risk.”
“In the past, we’ve had incidents where projectiles or projectile fragments fell into schoolyards, on private property, and even on sports fields. It is now obvious that the dangers posed by the firing range are far greater than in the past. We fully understand that this is the largest firing range we have, and it is used by the National Guard; but a comprehensive, island-wide plan regarding the location of firing ranges needs to be reassessed,” he added.
“We stand with the communities’ requests that, first and foremost, a political decision be made regarding the relocation, followed by a roadmap outlining how we will carry out this relocation. We understand that this is not something that can be done overnight, but once the decision is made and a timeline is established, we will need to verify when the relocation takes place,” he noted.
Until then, he said, they will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent the recurrence of incidents—whether fires or other hazards—that could endanger citizens or property.
“I repeat that the way the Kalo Chorio firing range operates today is such that no one can be certain that other incidents will not occur again, once more putting communities and residents at risk,” he concluded.
Source: CNA
