A powerful explosion shook Greece’s second-largest city, Thessaloniki, early this morning, damaging a tax office building and injuring at least five people. Authorities are treating the incident as a deliberate attack, with counterterrorism units leading the investigation.
Key Details of the Attack
✔ Location: Bomb detonated near Tax Directorate building in city center
✔ Time: ~3:15 AM local time (minimizing casualties)
✔ Damage: Windows shattered 200m away, structural damage to facade
✔ Injuries: 3 civilians, 2 officers (non-life-threatening)
“This was clearly an attempt to terrorize,” said Thessaloniki Mayor Stelios Angeloudis.
Who Is Behind It?
- No group has claimed responsibility yet
- Anarchist links suspected: Similar to 2023 attacks on Greek tax offices
- Anti-government angle possible: Recent protests over austerity measures
Security Response
- National Police Chief flown in from Athens
- Forensic teams analyzing explosive remnants
- Surveillance footage being scrubbed for suspects
Broader Context
- Greece faces rising far-left militancy since financial crisis
- Thessaloniki historically volatile: 2022 university bombing unsolved
- EU counterterrorism alert: Greece remains “moderate risk”
What’s Next?
- Heightened security at all government buildings
- Interpol notified for cross-border militant tracking
- Businesses demand emergency protection funds
