ELDYK

Infobox Military Unit
unit_name= ELDYK
"ΕΛΔΥΚ"


caption=ELDYK logo
start_date= November 20, 1959
country= Cyprus
allegiance= Greece
branch= Army
type= Infantry
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size= 950 men
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notable_commanders=Dionysios Arbouzis (first)
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ELDYK, ( _el. ΕΛΔΥΚ, ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΔΥΝΑΜΗ ΚΥΠΡΟΥ, English translation: Greek Force of Cyprus) is the Greek force situated in Cyprus. ELDYK was created on November 20, 1959 at Agios Stefanos, Athens soon after the treaties of London and Zurich when Cyprus declared its idependence. On August 16, 1960, the day that Cyprus became independent, ELDYK soldiers disembarked at Ammohostos, followed by applause from the local Cypriot population.Source: Greek Military Historical Archives (2001)] First commander of ELDYK was Dionysios Arbouzis and the total force was 950 men. Initially, its headquarters were established west of Nicosia in the Ayios Dhometios-Yerolakos area. During the period of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus between July 20 and August 17, 1974, ELDYK participated actively against the Turkish intruders in several battles. The most notable battles entailed the attack against the Geunyeli village (July 20, 1974), the battle at the ELDYK military base (between July 21 and August 16, 1974), and the Battle of Vasilia Passage (August 3 until August 11, 1974).A total of some 200 men were lost in these battles.

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