Minister Warns of Potential Domestic Terrorism Following Premature Bomb Explosion in Athens

In a recent development concerning the premature explosion of an improvised bomb in central Athens, Michalis Chrisochoidis, Greece’s Minister of Citizen Protection, has stated that the device could have caused extensive damage had it detonated as intended.

The incident, which occurred last Thursday in the Ambelokipi neighbourhood, resulted in the death of a 36-year-old man and left a woman seriously injured.

Chrisochoidis emphasised the destructive capacity of the bomb, describing it as a "monstrous" device containing concentrated explosive material. He asserted that it was designed for a significant attack, raising alarms about a potential resurgence of domestic terrorism in Greece. The blast demolished much of the third-floor apartment and damaged surrounding units, leading local authorities to declare the building uninhabitable.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, with police conducting searches in the wreckage, three additional homes, and a vehicle linked to the suspects. Among the items recovered were handguns, ammunition, mobile phones, laptops, flash drives, handwritten notes, wigs, and full-face masks.

Authorities have arrested a 31-year-old man and the 33-year-old woman injured in the explosion, who is currently being treated in a hospital under guard. They are also searching for a 30-year-old woman believed to have fled the country before the explosion occurred.

Chrisochoidis expressed concern that the individuals involved appear to be part of a new generation aspiring to carry out domestic terror attacks. “I believe we are witnessing an attempt by young individuals to establish a third wave of terrorism in Greece,” he stated.

Greece has a history of far-left extremism, with significant groups largely dismantled in recent decades. However, smaller factions have remained active, primarily focusing on bomb attacks targeting state symbols. The recent incident has reignited discussions about the ongoing threat posed by domestic extremism, particularly following a recent bomb threat that police successfully neutralised at the national riot police headquarters in December 2023.