A group calling themselves "Fires of Hell" claimed responsibility for a June 2004 firebombing of the Church of Pilaia, in Thessaloniki, Greece.  In a statement of claim the group wrote, "Their riches are our blood and prayers in the dark for us. Freedom to the gates of hell and Polikarpos Yeoryiadhis."   Polikarpos Yeoryiadhis was a left-wing extremist who had been jailed in connection with previous gas canister attacks in Thessaloniki. <P><br /><br />Fires of Hell was one of many groups that carried out small attacks in Thessaloniki in 2004. Such groups are almost always names utilized by angry individuals venting their frustrations at the Greek government. Although the choice of a church as a target was somewhat out of character for Greek arsonist groups, there is no reason to believe that Fires of Hell will be responsible for further attacks.   <br />

Fires of Hell is believed to be inactive and no further attacks are expected.

First of October Antifascist Resistance Group (GRAPO)

Revolutionary Perspective -- Supported Cause

Armed Robbery; Kidnapping; Extortion from Individuals and Businesses

First of October Antifascist Resistance Group emerged during a transitional period precipitated by the death of Spain's dictator General Franco.  The group was created as the armed wing of an illegal political organization, the Communist Party of Spain-Reconstituted.  First of October Antifascist Resistance Group, also known by its Spanish acronym GRAPO, was founded with the principal aim of overthrowing the Spanish government and replacing it with a Communist state.  While its political wing, the Communist Party of Spain-Reconstituted, favors a Maoist ideology; GRAPO aims to create a Marxist state in Spain. <P> After General Franco's death in 1975, Spain adopted a parliamentary democracy.  Three years later Spain transitioned to a parliamentary monarchy.  Despite the government evolution, GRAPO has remained committed to the creation of a Marxist state.  The group has engaged in terrorist activity to oppose Spain's membership in NATO.  In addition to its attacks against the Spanish government, GRAPO is intensely anti-U.S. and has attacked U.S. targets.  Specifically, GRAPO objects to U.S. military bases  on Spanish territory.