Limassol: A scenario involving the safe disembarkation of ammunitions and the transportation of a wounded individual from a warship that was hit by enemy fire upon arrival in Cyprus was carried out as part of a drill this morning at Limassol port, within the broader framework of the National Joint Exercise of the National Guard ‘NIKITIS-DIMITRA 2025″.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Minister of Defence, Vasilis Palmas, and Deputy Minister of Shipping, Marina Hadjimanoli observed the exercise from the passenger terminal of DP World Limassol, noting the need to be prepared for any eventuality. The exercise was under the general coordination of the Cyprus Ports Authority and was conducted in collaboration with the Central Emergency Policy Planning Service of the Ministry of Defence and involved members of the National Guard, Police, Fire Service, the Ambulance Service, and representatives from DP World Limassol and P and O Maritime companies.
The exercise scenario involved a third-country landing ship attacked by an enemy warship 12 nautical miles from Limassol port. The escort warship returned fire, forcing the enemy to withdraw. The landing ship had minor damage, and a crew member was injured. Authorities activated the ‘Sounio’ emergency plan, securing port facilities, safely unloading ammunition, and assisting the Ambulance Service in transferring the wounded to Limassol General Hospital.
After the exercise, the Defence Minister highlighted the importance of practice due to the partial occupation of the homeland and Cyprus’s leading role in the region, particularly with recent developments in Gaza, Lebanon, and neighbouring countries. He emphasized the duty and obligation to conduct military-political exercises to meet international and EU expectations regarding Cyprus. Palmas assured that the Republic of Cyprus, the President, and the relevant ministers support these efforts.
Deputy Minister of Shipping, Marina Hadjimanoli, stressed the strategic importance of political planning and the readiness of her Ministry and related services to cooperate in any situation. She noted that such scenarios are realistic and emphasized the necessity of preparedness, especially given Cyprus’s ongoing occupation for 51 years. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third, with UN-led peace talks repeatedly failing to produce results due to Turkish intransigence.