Western special operations activities have notably intensified around Cyprus, a new strategic partner of the United States. This surge is characterized by a series of joint military exercises and deployments, signaling a closer military and strategic cooperation between the US and Cyprus amidst a volatile regional landscape.
On January 25, 2024, East Coast-based US Naval Special Warfare Operators, including SEALs and Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen (SWCC), conducted maritime training with the Cypriot Underwater Demolition Command (MYK) forces near Limassol, Cyprus. These exercises, spanning three weeks, focused on Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) and other critical missions, aiming to enhance the tactical proficiency and interoperability of both nations’ forces. According to Capt. Bill Gallagher, the SEAL commander on-site, these joint endeavors send a clear message to adversaries, emphasizing a unified and swift response to any aggression.
The strategic positioning of Cyprus, often likened to an ‘unsinkable aircraft carrier,’ is of paramount importance. Its proximity to key regions such as the Levant, North Africa, and Asia Minor, along with ongoing conflicts like the war in Gaza and Houthi attacks along the Red Sea, underscores the island’s value for special operations training and pre-deployment.
Historically, Cyprus has benefited from substantial Russian investment and has supported Russian naval operations. However, in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Cyprus has shifted its focus towards strengthening its relationship with the US. This change is highlighted by the US Congress’s move to boost energy cooperation with Cyprus and the complete lifting of restrictions in 2022. Additionally, Cyprus has banned Russian warships from its ports, further illustrating this strategic pivot.
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