Xeros DNA found on bomb sent to Itea police precinct

The DNA of fugitive November 17 member Christodoulos Xeros has been found on an unexploded parcel bomb sent to a police station in central Greece last week, police said on Saturday, a day after urban guerrillas Conspiracy of the Cells of Fire claimed responsibility for the device.

According to police, DNA samples taken from the bomb matched the traces found in a car used on January 5 to transport Xeros from Thessaloniki to Athens while he was on prison furlough. The convicted November 17 bomber disappeared after this car journey and, according to police, has likely joined other terrorists.

The explosive device sent to Itea police precinct was hidden inside a book and contained nails and screws. It was sent in a package purporting to be from a non-governmental organization. In its message on Friday, the Conspiracy of the Cells of Fire said that it was disappointed the bomb did not go off. “We will be back,” the group said.