Thessaloniki, Greece – May 3
A 38-year-old woman was killed early Friday morning when an explosive device she was allegedly attempting to plant at a bank detonated prematurely in her hands.
The blast occurred around 5 a.m. outside a bank ATM in Thessaloniki, damaging nearby buildings and vehicles. Police said the woman, who had a history of involvement in robberies, was known to authorities and is now under investigation for possible links to extremist groups.
“It appears she was carrying an explosive device and planned to place it at a bank’s ATM,” a police official told Reuters. “Something went wrong, and it exploded in her hands.”
In response to the incident, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel guidance, warning that terrorists are likely to attempt attacks in Greece. The FCDO emphasized the potential for indiscriminate attacks, including in areas frequented by foreign visitors.
British nationals in Thessaloniki have been advised to remain vigilant and follow instructions from local authorities.
This explosion follows a similar incident weeks earlier near the offices of Greece’s main rail operator. That attack caused property damage but no injuries, as those responsible issued a warning to media 40 minutes prior. A group named Revolutionary Class Struggle claimed responsibility, dedicating the act to the Palestinian cause and commemorating a man who died last year while assembling a bomb in Athens.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into any organizational links the deceased woman may have had.
