US-built center in Cyprus to offer region security training

A US-funded center in Cyprus will help train officials from countries in the eastern Mediterranean region and the Middle East on the latest techniques in border, customs, maritime and cyber security, the acting head of the US Department of Homeland Security said on Monday.

Chad Wolf said the $5 million (4 million-euro) Cyprus Center for Land, Open-Seas, and Port Security (CYCLOPS) will incorporate a mobile facility to instruct officials on how to best protect their key infrastructure and take part in cross-border cyber investigations.

The center will also include a mock land border crossing and a passenger screening area. The US will build the facility and provide equipment and trainers. It's expected that it will be completed by year's end.

"These training platforms will serve as a hub that works in close coordination and association with partner countries in...