Greek Def. Min.: Emergency Official Inquiry into Nea Anchialos explosions

Defense Minister Nikos Dendias ordered an emergency official inquiry into the explosions in Nea Anchialos, clarifying in his statements that if there are any responsibilities, they will be attributed.

“I have requested a review of the fire safety plans of all camps and the three branches of the Armed Forces. I want to assure you that the safety of personnel, facilities and equipment is always a priority. It is a top priority,” he said.

The Minister of Defense referring to the related incident with the fire in Anchialos in a part of the ammunition storage camp of the 111th Combat Wing in the Karava area of Magnesia, noted that he has received detailed written information from the Air Force General Staff.

“I asked the head of the National Defense General Staff, General Konstantinos Floros, to conduct an urgent Sworn Administrative Examination. The decision to carry it out has already been issued by the Air Force General Staff. What happened will be thoroughly investigated. If there are responsibilities, they will be attributed in full. I want to assure you that there was no security issue for the 111th Fighter Wing itself in the broad context,” he noted.

Mr. Dendias added that he requested the control of the fire safety systems of all formations, all camps, as well as all kinds of military installations of our country. I requested a review of the fire safety plans of all camps, all units and all three branches of the Armed Forces.

“I want to assure you. The safety of the personnel of the facilities, the materiel of the Armed Forces is a perennial priority of the governments of the Hellenic Republic. It is a top priority for the government, for the current government. It is a top priority for everyone.”