During a press conference, the mayor of Elliniko-Argyroupoli, Giannis Konstantatos, revealed that 314 World War II-era German bombs were discovered buried at the site of the old Elliniko airport in Athens.
The discovery came to light during construction work as part of a major investment project transforming the former airport.
Konstantatos explained that the bombs were located just two meters below ground, directly beneath the previous sites of community facilities such as the Pontian Sourmen Union, kindergartens, and sports facilities, as well as near facilities used during the Olympic Games.
He highlighted the alarming fact that these areas were frequented daily by thousands of people.
The mayor expressed relief that no explosions or injuries had occurred over the years, marveling at the safety of those who frequented the airport and its associated facilities, which unknowingly sat atop a “minefield.”
Additionally, he referenced the historical presence of a U.S. Air Base on the premises from 1947 to 1993, which monitored the East Mediterranean.
Konstantatos concluded by acknowledging the sentiment often expressed by Greeks regarding their survival being a matter of sheer chance, given the circumstances.
In recent remarks, EU’s high representative for foreign affairs Joseph Borrell highlighted that the war in Gaza caused greater destruction than cities in Germany suffered during World War II.
Borrell said: “I can say that more than 60% of the physical infrastructure has been damaged, and 35% fully destroyed.”
“The cities in Gaza have been more destroyed than the German cities during the Second World War – just imagine the comparison,” he added.
