Special Forces Command (Cyprus)

The Special Forces Command () is a combat arm of the Cypriot National Guard. The primary mission of the Special Forces is unorthodox warfare and this is the purpose for which they began their training in 1964, primarily in the Troodos Mountains, while shortly after, they began operations against Turkish Cypriot rebels ( TMT members) and the Turkish forces operating on the island.

History

Prior to its formation in 1964, Cyprus had no central unorthodox/ special operations capability but rather had relied on remnants and teams that had either remained after EOKA was disbanded and to units such as Vassos Lyssarides' teams (Also known as the "Κοκκινοσκούφηδες", "Red berets" in English).

1964-1974

After the crisis in 1963, the Cypriot government introduced the Cypriot National Guard and in the summer of 1964 (July 9), the 31st Commando Battalion was formed and was based in Evrychou.

It took on its first mission in August 1964 during the Battle of Tillyria against the Turkish Armed Forces and TMT, eventually helping the then newly formed National Guard achieve its first victory but also losing its first 3 soldiers.

In September 1964, the 32nd Commando Battalion was formed in the Saittas region, in Troodos, and on the 30th of April 1965, the 33rd Commando Battalion was formed near Pedoulas.

In 1967, the special forces once again were called to action in an operation codenamed "Gronthos", with the aim of clearing the hills in and around the Kofinou village of all Turkish resistance, though an initial operational success, the command took 1 casualty and the political consequences of the operation were severe.

In December 1973, the 34th Commando Battalion was formed as a purely reserve component of the Special Forces Command.

During the 1974 Cypriot coup d'état, the Special Forces played a pivotal role, taking over all of their objectives including, the Presidential Palace, the broadcasting corporation, the Cyprus Police headquarters and its reserve corps and the Archdiocese.

On the 20th of July, when Turkey invaded Cyprus, the Special Forces took part in operations to clear the Kyrenia Mountains and specifically, Pentadaktylos, in an operation codenamed "Lavida" and also other operations such as the defense of Nicosia International Airport and defending various hills.

1974-present

In 1978, after a hijacking at Larnaca International Airport, Egyptian special forces attempted a rescue operation in an attempt to mimic Operation Entebbe, however due to them not gaining permission from the Cypriot government, a gunfight ensued with the Cypriot special forces and other elements of the national guard, leading to the Egyptians suffering heavy casualties (36 killed or injured), a Lockheed C-130 Hercules and jeep also being destroyed.

After the Evangelos Florakis Naval Base explosion, commandos were sent to guard the area for a period of time.

In recent years, the Special Forces Command has increased its cooperation with countries such as Greece, Israel, France, Egypt and the United States with units such as:

* Greece – All SF units
* Israel – Egoz, Unit 669
* France – CPA 10
* Egypt – Special Forces
* United States – MARSOC, Navy SEALs

Uniform and Insignia

All members of the Brigade wear the unit insignia depicting a winged sword, representative of the "deadly, silent and swift" nature of special forces operations. A scroll runs across the sword and wings with the motto "Who Dares Wins" ( – ''O Tolmon Nika''), a tribute to the Free Greek Special Forces that served with the 1st Special Air Service (1 SAS) Brigade during World War II. The unit flash is emblazoned with .

All Raiders wear the green beret with the Greek national emblem on the left.

Gallery

File:Cypriot Army color guard in parade.jpg, LOK officers marching at Republic Fest Military Parade in Italy, 2007.
File:Cypriot Special Forces Operator with his FN SCAR.jpg, SF operator with his FN SCAR-L rifle.
File:Cypriot SOF fast rope training.png, SOF operator fast-roping from a heli during Eager Lion.
File:Cypriot Special Forces during fire and movement drills.jpg, Cypriot Special Forces during fire and movement drills.
File:Special Forces unit flash that is emblazoned with ΔΥΝΑΜΕΙΣ ΚΑΤΑΔΡΟΜΩΝ (Raider Forces)..jpg, Special Forces unit flash that is emblazoned with ΔΥΝΑΜΕΙΣ ΚΑΤΑΔΡΟΜΩΝ (Raider Forces).

See also

* Cypriot National Guard
* Battle of Tillyria
* Turkish invasion of Cyprus
* Cyprus Police
* Mobile Immediate Action Unit

References

External links

{{Cypriot Military

Military of Cyprus
1964 establishments in Cyprus