After enjoying months of relative calm, peace was shattered in Athens, Greece on January 12, when an obscure but potentially deadly extremist group, calling themselves the Revolutionary Struggle , launched both a shoulder-fired rocket and a rocket-propelled grenade into the US Embassy building , creating a large hole in its fortified facade. Since this attack, random acts of terrorist violence by Greek radicals and anarchists have struck Athens and Thessaloniki. Although these relatively minor strikes have neither resulted in injury nor attracted international news coverage, they are significant in that they target government offices, local and international banks, and local business areas. The most recent attack on January 29 targeted a Citibank branch in the district of Melissia and a caf? in central Athens?both struck by makeshift explosive devices.
Adding to the volatility are widespread student- and teacher-led demonstrations taking place in Athens. Protestors are condemning new education reform plans recently introduced by the government (source). Reports indicate that local anarchist groups have penetrated these university protests to pursue their own agenda, seeking to use student protests as cover for more violent activities. The resurgence of homegrown Geek terrorism in recent weeks is causing concern within the government and local security forces.
Leftist violence has remained a problem in the country for more than three decades and has claimed a significant number of lives. Contemporary leftist groups carry on the anarchist agenda; however, these groups suffered a significant setback prior to the 2004 Summer Olympics when Greek security forces cracked down on their networks to limit anarchist violence during the Games. During this nationwide security crackdown, the Greek government effectively eliminated Greece?s most brutal and infamous terrorist group, November 17 .
However, remnants from November 17 are believed to have formed the Revolutionary Struggle. Revolutionary Struggle?s first known public appearance occurred in 2003 , shortly after the Greek government launched security sweeps against November 17. Revolutionary Struggle attacks have demonstrated a level of sophistication that is reminiscent of November 17 rather than Greek anarchist groups that have historically not perpetrated attacks on this scale.
In its latest claim of responsibility, the Revolutionary Struggle promised more attacks on American and Greek targets in the near future. The proclamations should be taken seriously, as they have proven themselves to possess the both the intent and capability to launch such attacks.
