After coordinated actions by the Hellenic Police and the National Intelligence Service, a network of terrorists was dismantled. The said network, having guidance from abroad, was planning methodical strikes against carefully selected targets in Greek territory.

On the basis of information collected and processed by the National Intelligence Service, coordinated operations of the NIS and the Counter-Terrorist Service were carried out in various areas of the territory.

According to an announcement by the Ministry of Citizen Protection, in the context of these coordinated actions of the two services, two (2) foreigners were arrested, who aimed not only at killing innocent citizens, but also at undermining the sense of security in the country, while damaging the institutions and threatening its international relations.

Analysis of the seized information and digital data revealed and confirmed that the members of the network:

• had already chosen a building of special semiotics as the target of the attack;
• had already surveilled the area and planned the attack;
• had received final instructions to carry out the strike;
• in the implementation of these instructions, they were also looking to recruit other persons for the best possible execution of their mission.

A criminal case file was opened and, in the morning hours of Tuesday, March 28, those arrested were brought before the Athens District Attorney and referred to an interrogator. Investigations are ongoing.

Also read: Montenegro | Russians and Montenegrins arrested on suspicion of espionage

Regarding those arrested, these persons are two Pakistani nationals of Iranian origin, who were preparing an attack on an Israeli target in Greece. The leader who gave them instructions and directions was also Pakistani, living abroad. At the same time, they were recruiting other people in order to commit murders and throw explosives.

These persons first planned a gas attack on the Israeli target, then they would use heavy weaponry to kill their victims, and finally intended to attack with explosives.

According to the information, the target was an Israeli gathering place. Additionally, the terrorists planned to kidnap people.

It is worth noting that the terrorist attack was about to take place and was prevented by the NIS and the Anti-Terrorist Service, whose investigation into the case has started since the previous summer, as they were collecting evidence gradually.

Notably, Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, helped Greek authorities foil an attempt by two Pakistanis to carry out an attack on Israeli and Jewish targets in Greece.

As relayed by the office of the Israeli Prime Minister, Mossad says that the serious case made known earlier yesterday is part of Iran’s ongoing efforts to target Israelis and Jews.

Also read: NIS | Brings espionage case to light