The occupation, which began on 20 July 1974 and continues to the present day, has been in direct contradiction with a number of passed resolutions of the UN Security Council.
The Cypriot National Guard performs a variety of military exercises, usually involved in the combined-arms role rather than favouring individual units.
The largest military exercise is named Nikiforos-Toxotis, and this is the main annual war games of the Republic of Cyprus, with cooperation from the Hellenic armed forces.
Participating units are usually instructed to implement live-fire practice of their associated armaments as part of an organised training program, routinely against mock-up targets.
The exercise implements the organisation and tactics of combined-arms warfare, and also invites participation from the Hellenic Air Force and Navy, as well as the Greek ELDYK contingent in Cyprus.