IED explosion levels flat in Ampelokipi - Suspicion on anarchist circles

An explosion in an apartment in Ampelokipis caused by an improvised explosive device has pricked up the ears of Hellenic Police counterterrorist experts which confirmed rerports that existed since yesterday as stated in an announcement today  that "the explosion is due to the detonation of an improvised explosive device ".

At the same time, in the same announcement, notes that two pistols, a magazine with cartridges, mobile phones and digital evidence were finally found which are being examined in the forensic laboratories of ELAS.

The ELAS announcement

At noon yesterday (31-10-2024) a strong explosion occurred in a third-floor apartment in the area of ​​Ampelokipi, resulting in the fatal injury of an unknown man and the serious injury of a local woman.

The explosion caused extensive damage to the apartment, as well as to adjacent apartments in the apartment building.

From the investigation of the area so far, it is estimated that the explosion was caused by the detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED).

So far, two pistols, magazine with cartridges, mobile phones and digital persuasions have been found and seized.

A preliminary investigation is being carried out by the Directorate for Dealing with Special Violent Crimes, while the investigation continues.

The injured woman connected with anti-authoritarian forces

At the same time, ELAS researchers are trying to solve the "riddle" of the identity of the man who died after the powerful explosion that occurred in an apartment on the 3rd floor of an apartment building in Ampelokipi, as they believe that his identification will be a key to clarifying the case. According to information, Counter-Terrorism knows who the dead person is, but he does not seem to have a criminal file.

A DNA sample has been taken from the man's body and will be analyzed in order to determine if the deceased is marked. According to information, yesterday Thursday (31/10) the police located a limb and took fingerprints, but without result so far.

On the other hand, the researchers were able to fingerprint the 32-year-old woman who was injured during the explosion and is hospitalized. This is a person active in the broader anti-authoritarian space who had previously entered the "radar" of the State Security as in 2015 he was arrested for attacking a rector. The woman is seriously injured and is still unable to speak.

However, all the evidence that has been collected "shows" that this is a case of terrorism. In the area where the explosion occurred, a 9mm pistol was initially located - which was taken to the forensic laboratories - as well as a quantity of explosive material. A mobile phone was also found.

The visitors of the hideout

At the same time, it is of particular interest that, according to information, one or two people were still visiting the apartment in question, which makes the police think that perhaps the preparation of a terrorist attack was underway. In this context, the role of a woman who allegedly had keys to the apartment and was not in the area at the time of the explosion is being investigated.

From the investigation of the Fire Department officials, it was found that the explosion took place in the living room of the apartment, where the man was, who was killed instantly. The woman was seriously injured because she was at close range.

What is surprising is the fact that from the investigations carried out at the site, neither a gas bottle nor the remains of an explosive device were found, which reinforces the suspicions that this is a "perfect explosion", that is, an explosion that leaves no trace.

The police officers handling the case estimate that the most likely scenario is that the explosion was caused by mishandling a device prepared by the tenants or by explosives they possessed and were detonated for an unknown reason.

In the first phase, Counter-Terrorism is trying to do a "mapping" of the case based on persons that the Authorities know have been connected to the young woman in the past. However, she is seriously injured and is unable to speak. The researchers, for their part, have already reopened files with groups that move in the broader anti-authoritarian space and it was thought that they could act in the so-called "city guerrillas.

Finally, it should be noted that the apartment where the explosion took place had been given to the couple by its owner, who is in the Netherlands.