In Greece, authorities arrested a 37-year-old Palestinian man in Crete on Saturday morning as part of a joint operation by the National Intelligence Service and the Counter-Terrorism Unit, codenamed ‘ODIN.’ According to officials, the suspect is believed to be a Hamas member and to have received training in the construction of improvised explosive devices in camps in Malaysia.
After a 12-hour interrogation, the man reportedly confessed that he had been recruited by Hamas and trained in the manufacture of synthetic explosives in Malaysia. According to sources in Malaysia and Indonesia, Hamas operates training camps where recruits receive such instruction.
The 37-year-old was arrested a few days after the detention of two Palestinians in Cyprus on terrorism-related charges. He is said to have been in contact with one of the two suspects, with whom he had trained in a Hamas camp in Malaysia.
Cyprus Police said they remain in constant and close communication with partner authorities abroad, as part of ongoing international cooperation and intelligence exchange on security matters.
“As in every similar case, any information received by the competent services is evaluated with due seriousness and in accordance with established procedures, in cooperation with corresponding partner authorities,” the statement said.
The suspect had reportedly been under close surveillance for at least 15 days, during which it emerged that he had ordered chemical substances online intended for the construction of explosive devices.
Searches carried out in residences in Crete and Athens uncovered equipment that could be used to manufacture bombs, including precision scales and laboratory devices.
Remanded in Custody in Larnaca
At the same time in Cyprus, four suspects remain in custody after detention orders were renewed by Larnaca District Court in closed-door proceedings. The suspects include two key individuals aged 32 and 38, as well as two associates aged 54 and 57.
The two younger men are believed to play a central role in the case, with one reportedly admitting that potential targets could have included Israelis, although no specific place or timing for an attack has been identified. Authorities are also examining whether there was collaboration with others within Cyprus.
During investigations, significant quantities of materials used in the manufacture of explosives were found at two separate locations: a residence in the Governor’s Beach area and an apartment in the Kamares area of Larnaca. Among the items identified was ammonium nitrate, a chemical substance that can be used in bomb-making, with investigators examining whether the materials were sourced locally.
The 32-year-old is believed to be linked to both locations, while the 38-year-old was residing illegally in Cyprus and is thought to have entered from the north.
The seized materials have been sent for laboratory analysis, with results expected soon.
Developments in Greece and Cyprus point to the possible existence of a network extending beyond the two countries, with authorities continuing investigations to determine the scope of activity and any potential plans by those involved.
