Police and Emergency Services Test Response to Terror Scenario at Central Bank

A counter-terrorism exercise codenamed CHRYSOS 2026 was completed at the Central Bank of Cyprus on Friday, 16 October 2026. The exercise was held as part of the bank’s ongoing cooperation with the Cyprus Police and involved a full deployment of forces in the field.

Purpose of the exercise

The exercise was designed to realistically simulate operational conditions and to assess the readiness and response of the services involved.

It also aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of security measures, verify operational coordination procedures and strengthen cooperation between state and private bodies in responding to a terrorist incident affecting the security of the Central Bank.

Crisis management and emergency plans

The exercise also helped familiarise staff with crisis management procedures and with the implementation of the bank’s emergency plans.

Participating services

Departments and units of the Cyprus Police, the Ambulance Service, the Fire Service and the Central Bank’s Security Service took part in the exercise.

Outcome

According to the announcement, the successful conduct of the exercise confirmed the importance of continuous training, interoperability and close cooperation between the services involved. The aim, it said, is to maintain a high level of operational readiness and to respond effectively to incidents that may affect critical infrastructure of the Republic of Cyprus.