Defence Minister Dendias: No security issue at 111 Combat Wing in Nea Anchialos

"I have received a detailed written report from the Hellenic Air Force General Staff. I want to assure you that there is no security issue for the 111 Combat Wing itself," Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said on Friday concerning the fire in Nea Anchialos and the explosions at a munitions storage facility at a military base in Karamba, Magnesia the previous day.

"I have asked the Hellenic National Defence General Staff chief, General Konstantinos Floros, to conduct an urgent Sworn Administrative Inquiry. A decision to carry this out has already been issued by the Air Force General Staff. What happened will be investigated in depth. If anyone bears responsibility, they will be held to account," Dendias announced.

More broadly, the minister added, he had also asked for a rechecking of all fire-safety systems at all military facilities throughout the country and a review of fire safety planning at all bases and units of all three branches of the armed forces.

"I want to assure you: the safety of the personnel, the facilities, the equipment of the Armed Forces is an absolute long-term priority of the governments of the Hellenic Republic. It is a top priority of the present government. It is a top priority for all of us," Dendias concluded.