Dialogos

Indefinite Blockade of the Shooting Range of the Bases in Xylofagou

Published January 19, 2026, 09:02
Indefinite Blockade of the Shooting Range of the Bases in Xylofagou

The quarry companies in Xylofagou have launched an indefinite blockade of the shooting range of the British bases, following the bases' final refusal to grant licenses for the expansion of the quarry zone. The companies and workers had protested in September, emphasizing the depletion of reserves. The bases' refusal cites the need for studies, which is disputed by the Department of Environment of the Republic of Cyprus. The mobilization has expanded to include professional fishermen from the Xylofagou fishing shelter, who have anchored their boats in front of the shooting range, creating a blockade from the sea. Fishermen are also affected by the operation of the shooting range. According to information, the decision to blockade was made after a meeting of the president of the Pan-Cypriot Quarry Association with the Environment Department of the Bases on January 16, where they were informed of the final refusal. The companies emphasize that this refusal endangers the survival of the quarries and the employment of workers.