| Hellenic Force in Cyprus Ελληνική Δύναμη Κύπρου (ΕΛΔΥΚ) |
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ELDYK flag |
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| Founded | November 20, 1959 |
| Country | Cyprus |
| Allegiance | Greece |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | Regiment 950 men |
| Part of | Hellenic Army General Staff |
| Garrison/HQ | Nicosia |
| Engagements | Turkish invasion of Cyprus |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Dionysios Arbouzis (first) |
The Hellenic Force in Cyprus (Greek: Ελληνική Δύναμη Κύπρου), commonly known in its abbreviated form as ELDYK (ΕΛΔΥΚ), is the permanent Greek military force stationed in Cyprus. ELDYK was formed on November 20, 1959 at Agios Stefanos, Athens, soon after the Zürich and London Agreements established the independence of Cyprus. Per the subsequent Treaty of Guarantee, Greece, along with Turkey and the United Kingdom, would be the new state's guarantor powers. To that end, the permanent presence of a small military detachment from both Greece and Turkey was authorized, in addition to the British military presence in the Sovereign Base Areas.
On August 16, 1960, the day that Cyprus became officially independent, ELDYK soldiers disembarked at Ammochostos. The first commander of ELDYK was Colonel Dionysios Arbouzis, a distinguished officer who had already led the Greek Expeditionary Force in Korea, 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 innvaders in several battles. The most notable battles entailed the attack against the Geunyeli (Kioneli) 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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