Greece’s National Security Council is on high alert amid an increased threat from terrorism – and has said the nation faces a potential wave of uncontrolled migration.
It comes as the UK Foreign Office is warning British tourists that “terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Greece”.
The Foreign Office notes there have been “several attacks involving explosives and automatic weapons against Greek institutions, shopping malls, banks, media offices, diplomatic premises, and the police”.
It warns that future attacks “could be indiscriminate” – and could target “places visited by foreign nationals”. The heightened risk is due to the escalating situation in the Middle East.
The Greek National Security Council, KYSYEA, expressed particular concerns about Israel’s ongoing actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Greek news website ekathimerini warned the situation is exacerbated by Lebanon currently hosting approximately 2.5 million refugees, mainly from Palestine and Syria.
It said this raises fears of destabilisation if violence between Israel and Hezbollah escalates further. The Greek government is now revising security plans at migrant detention facilities to prepare for potential violence.
It is also creating evacuation strategies for approximately 3,500 Greek nationals in Lebanon, and helping the Cypriot government evacuate around 60 of its citizens from Lebanon.
Today, 35 migrants – including women and children – were rescued from the sea south of Crete. They are being transferred to a temporary accommodation facility.
Intelligence agencies and police are also on heightened alert for terrorist attacks. It follows violent incidents linked to Middle East tensions – including a bombing near the Israeli Embassy in Copenhagen.
Demonstrations supporting Palestine are expected in Greece, and the authorities increased security at sites considered to be potential targets.
The UK Foreign Office has updated its guidance for British nationals travelling to Greece. Its latest travel advice states: “Greek authorities have increased security at some prominent locations, including tourist sites, due to events in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
“There is currently a heightened risk of such protests, particularly in central Athens. Stay aware of your surroundings, stay away from protests and follow the advice of local authorities.”
Regarding the increased terrorism threat, the Foreign Office says: “Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Greece. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.
“There have been several attacks involving explosives and automatic weapons against Greek institutions, shopping malls, banks, media offices, diplomatic premises and the police.”
