Cypriot police sappers neutralized a grenade found on the territory of the almost completely dry Xyliatos reservoir in the Nicosia region.
The ammunition, according to the police, dates back to the 1950s-the time of the struggle of the Cypriot organization of the ECO for the independence of the island from British rule.
Low water levels caused by a prolonged drought exposed the bottom of the dam, where a rusty but still operational grenade was spotted. A sapper team promptly arrived at the scene and carried out a controlled detonation, eliminating any threat to the population.
The period of the 1950s became one of the most dramatic in the history of Cyprus. The activities of the underground organization of the EOK (the National Organization of Cypriots-Brothers) were accompanied by numerous armed clashes and sabotage against the British forces.
According to historians, the finds of the time of the liberation movement are not uncommon: in the remote areas of the island, old grenades, bullets and mortar shells remaining since the time of armed operations are still found.
Authorities urge citizens not to attempt to move or examine such items on their own, but to immediately report them to the police.
At the time the munition was discovered, the water level in the Xyliatos Dam was only 2.5% of its total capacity. This is one of the lowest figures in recent years and is a direct consequence of the prolonged drought that has affected Cyprus.
Experts warn that reducing water reserves not only threatens agriculture and ecosystems, but can also lead to new unexpected finds - from historical artifacts to dangerous military objects.
Source: Cyprus-Mail.com
