Deadly Athens Blast Unravels: Is Extremism Resurfacing?

A fatal explosion in an Athens apartment likely caused by an improvised bomb resulted in the death of a man and serious injury to a woman. Police confiscated firearms and digital evidence amid an investigation by the violent crimes unit, recalling Greece's history of organized crime and extremism.

An explosion in an Athens apartment, suspected to be caused by an improvised bomb, claimed the life of a man and severely injured a woman, Greek police reported on Friday. The police confiscated two handguns, ammunition, mobile phones, and other 'digital evidence' while investigating the incident.

The violent crimes unit is leading the investigation into the blast, which obliterated a third-floor apartment in the central Ambelokipi neighborhood, damaging nearby residences. Firefighters rescued the injured Greek woman from the debris, later discovering the man's body.

Amidst this tragedy, Greece is reminded of its history with far-left extremism and organized crime, a past marked by small urban groups and bombings. While major extremist groups have been dismantled, smaller factions have occasionally targeted symbols of authority and wealth in recent years.

(With inputs from agencies.)