EMET NEWS PRESS

Cypriot Police Thwart Suspected Terror PlotOn May 22, 2026, Cypriot police arrested two Palestinian men aged 32 and 38 in a intelligence-led operation by the Larnaca CID. Following several days of surveillance, officers searched a house near Governor’s Beach in southern Cyprus and an apartment in the Kamares district of Larnaca. They seized substantial quantities of ammonium nitrate, additional chemicals, bomb-making components, laboratory equipment, and maps. The material is undergoing forensic examination, including DNA analysis. The Larnaca District Court ordered eight days of remand for both suspects.

The 32-year-old lived legally in Cyprus with his wife and child in Kamares. The 38-year-old was in the country illegally, reportedly entering via the occupied north. Both men are refusing to cooperate with investigators. Cypriot authorities state they are probing the preparation of terrorist offenses and membership in a criminal organization, believing the raids prevented attacks on Cypriot soil. The proximity of one site to the popular tourist destination Governor’s Beach has led some analysts to suggest a possible target involving civilians or Israeli tourists, who visit the island in large numbers. Official Cypriot statements remain cautious and do not specify concrete targets. Israeli analyst Ronen Solomon and his blog Intelli Times identified laboratory glassware such as Erlenmeyer flasks in raid photos — equipment legally available on platforms like AliExpress as educational or hobby kits. Solomon noted that purchasing such items alone is not illegal, but their combination with ammonium nitrate and maps raises serious suspicion. Possible links to broader networks such as Hamas, Hezbollah, or the Iranian Quds Force are being examined, though no such connections have been officially confirmed by Cypriot police.

The case echoes a 2015 incident in Larnaca involving large amounts of ammonium nitrate with suspected Hezbollah ties. Investigations continue and are expanding beyond the Larnaca district.

References List

Philenews (Primary Cypriot Source) — Detailed reporting on the raids, seized ammonium nitrate, locations (Governor’s Beach and Kamares), court remand, and ongoing investigation (May 25–27, 2026).

Cyprus Mail — Initial report on the arrests and explosive materials near Governor’s Beach (May 22–23, 2026).

Jewish News Syndicate (JNS) / TPS-IL — Comprehensive English summary including ages, intelligence operation, and seized materials (May 24, 2026).

Kiprinform — Report on the arrests and terrorism suspicion (May 22–23, 2026).

Kathimerini Cyprus (KNews) — Coverage of lab equipment, raid photos, and investigation details (May 25, 2026).

Israel.com — Additional context on the operation and background (May 24, 2026).