Arms bust linked to past guerrilla groups
Greek police have uncovered a significant arms cache hidden in a storage unit in the Pangrati district of Athens, raising concerns about the potential resurgence of urban guerrilla activity.
The discovery, made on Tuesday, included explosives, firearms and a portable computer, leading authorities to investigate possible links to militant groups that operated in Greece during the 2000s.
The weapons were found in a storage unit on the corner of Aglavridon and Amfionos streets. Among the items were 37 kilograms of ammonium nitrate (commonly used to produce explosives), 7.5 kilograms of ammonium dynamite, 3 kilograms of gelignite, 2 kilograms of TNT, and several firearms, including six pistols and a submachine gun. In addition to the weapons, investigators found detonators, slow-burning fuses, and a laptop.
The storage unit had been rented since 2008, with payments of 50 euros per month or 100 euros every two months being made consistently, raising suspicions about the long-term purpose of the space. The unit’s owner, a retired army officer, had been trying to reach the tenant, who had lost contact with him. Upon opening the storage unit on Tuesday, he found the weapons and explosives and immediately alerted the authorities.
The police believe the cache could be linked to individuals involved in the urban guerrilla movements that were active in Greece during the late 2000s and early 2010s, particularly groups such as Revolutionary Struggle, Popular Fighters Group, and Conspiracy of Fire Cells. These groups were responsible for several high-profile attacks, including bombings and shootings targeting government institutions, police, and foreign diplomats.
Experts suggest that the contents of the storage unit could be the remnants of an old militant arsenal, preserved for potential use by successor organizations that may emerge in the future. The police are also considering whether the weapons were intended to be used in ongoing or future attacks, given the political climate in Greece and recent violent incidents, including a bombing at the Ministry of Labor.
While investigations are still under way, authorities have ruled out any connection between the arms cache and the accidental detonation of an explosive device that occurred in late October. The police are continuing to analyze the findings, hoping to uncover more information about the people behind the stash.
Kathimerini
