Explosives-laden boat seized off Greek island

An inflatable boat reported to be carrying weapons and explosives was seized on Tuesday near the shores ofChios Island off the coast of the Cesme peninsula in Izmir province. Greek state agency ANA-MPA announced that Greek coast guards detained two Turkish and two Greek citizens aboard the boat which was reported to be carrying weapons and explosives in the boat. Coast guards discovered two anti-tank mortar weapons, four grenades, bullets and a great number of explosives in the vessel during the research, according to agency's news. The vessel, which embarked for Turkey, was reported to have been seized by Greek coast guards and taken to Chios Island. Number of people detained reached 12, nine of whom were detained in Athens and three in Thessaloniki, reported ANA-MPA. The agency also stated the investigation continued and most of the detainees were foreigners, but there were also Greek citizens. On its website To Vima newspaper said, Greek police (ELAS) alleged that two of the detainees were Kurdish and getting prepared for an act of terror in Turkey. ELAS officials cited that the detained suspects might be members of the outlawed PKK or the outlawed Revolutionary People’s Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C) that would stage an act in Turkey, probably in Izmir. A large-scale operation by the police counter-terrorism unit is underway, with raids in homes in Athens, Thessaloniki and Korinthos. Greek officials were reported to have informed Turkish Embassy in Athens about the event. Greek diplomatic sources stated they would inform Turkish authorities in detail in the following days after an investigation to be carried out by Greek authorities.