At least four people have been injured after the detonation of a bomb during an operation against drug trafficking in a neighborhood in northwest Athens.
The incident occurred when a police patrol went to check a suspicious backpack in the Colono area, after the manager of a building alerted the authorities about the presence of the bag.
According to a statement from the Greek police, the explosion was recorded around 3:30 PM local time, at the moment when one of the officers was proceeding to examine the inside of the backpack.
Investigators consulted by national media have pointed out that, among the remains found after the explosion, an electric detonator, batteries, and a quantity of low-power explosives have been discovered, in addition to drugs and a scale, although this last point has not been officially corroborated.
The officer who handled the backpack has suffered serious injuries and is being treated at the 401 Military Hospital. Another police officer and two pedestrians, including the building manager, have also been injured, as detailed by the Greek police in their information note.