1950s grenade — 1950s grenade — The bomb squad neutralised a grenade dating back to the 1950s, which was discovered at the Xyliatos dam in the Nicosia district. This operation took place on Tuesday, following the grenade’s discovery the previous day amid the reservoir’s alarmingly low water levels.
The Xyliatos dam, currently holding just 2.5 per cent of its storage capacity due to an ongoing drought, has revealed various items as the water recedes. The grenade, identified as a defensive type from the period of the Eoka liberation struggle, was spotted by authorities as the reservoir almost dried up.
Police confirmed that despite being rusted, the grenade was in a usable condition, necessitating the prompt involvement of the bomb squad. They conducted a controlled detonation to safely dispose of the explosive, ensuring the area was secure.
This incident underscores the potential hazards that can emerge from prolonged drought conditions, which may expose remnants of the past. The presence of such ordnance serves as a reminder of the historical conflicts that shaped the region.
