In the Footsteps of "November 17th":
Revolutionary Struggle is the name of taken by followers of a new terrorist group claiming to be the heirs of "November 17th", originally a group formed against the oppressive regime of "The Colonels" who ruled Greece after a military coup.
Attack on U.S. Embassy Brings International Attention:
While Revolutionary Struggle has claimed responsibility for a number of incidents in Greece, the January 12th rocket attack on the U.S. embassy in Athens brought their actions firmly into international consciousness.
"Traditional" Terrorism in Greece - Big Bang, Building Damage, Nobody Gets Hurt:
So far, Revolutionary Struggle seems to be following the classic Greek pattern of inflicting property damage to make their points rather than going for the death of innocent bystanders. However, November 17th was responsible for about 23 murders and "assassinations" during their heyday, including the death of British Military Attache Stephen Saunders in 2000.
The Beginning of Revolutionary Struggle:
Revolutionary Struggle can said to have been founded on September 6th, 2003, when they claimed responsibility for a bomb attack on an Athens court building. A policeman was injured in this incident.
Subsequent attacks have included firebombs and time bombs, primarily targeting banks and government offices.
Who Were "The Colonels" Who Ruled Greece?:
"The Colonels" were Greek military leaders supported by the U.S., something that many Greeks have not forgotten in a land where even ancient conflicts are spoken of as if they happened yesterday. Their time in power was oppressive and they were eventually toppled after student protestors were shot on their orders at Athens Polytechnic University.
Is Revolutionary Struggle the New November 17th?:
Some observers believe November 17th has been essentially wiped out by a spate of recent arrests involving the group and that Revolutionary Struggle is picking up the pieces. Greek officials, perhaps wanting to enforce the idea that they successfully wiped out "November 17th" suggest this new group has only loose ties with the old one.
