Officials said left-wing insurgency cells have emerged to conduct
attacks on police and diplomatic facilities in Athens. They said the cells
were believed to have been activated during civil unrest in Greece in late
2008.
"We always knew of the potential that this could resurface," an official
said.
The insurgents have also targeted NATO-aligned facilities. On Feb. 13,
youngsters threw a firebomb at the Turkish consulate in Thessaloniki, Middle East Newsline reported. No
injuries were reported.
In January 2009, a group called Revolutionary Struggle claimed
responsibility for attacks against the Greek government. The group said it
conducted a Jan. 5 shooting of a police officer in Athens.
Weeks later, an unknown group said it shot an officer on Feb. 3 in an
attack on a police station in a suburb of the Greek capital. The group, Sect
of Revolutionaries, warned that it would expand its targets in Greece.
"To those who are already wondering why we chose some random cops and
not a high-ranking official, a prominent journalist, a state functionary or
at least a capitalist, we answer that their turn will come," Sect of
Revolutionaries said in a statement on Feb. 5.
Officials said Sect of Revolutionaries appeared to be an offshoot of
Revolutionary Struggle. They said the method of the latest attack resembled
the January 2009 shooting.
"Our aim was to execute them," Sect of Revolutionaries said. "They were
lucky; we were unlucky. Next time, they will not have luck on their side."
On Feb. 5, unidentified attackers bombed the office of Greece's police
minister. The explosion did not result in any injuries, but caused minor
damage.