Operation Limnes

Operation Limnes (Greek: Επιχείρηση «Λίμνες», "Lakes") was a plan drawn up by the Communist Party of Greece during the Greek Civil War to set up a Free Greece in Macedonia and Thrace. The operation, drawn up with support from Yugoslavia, was built around the capture of Thessaloniki, which was to become the capital of the new state. Developed in April 1947, it was publicly announced in Paris, France in June that year. It was expected that support would come from the Soviet Union and other Communist countries, who would supply material for an army, navy and air force. Although the leader of the Soviet Union, Joseph Stalin, gave his support, the large amount of equipment did not arrive. In consequence, the only action of the operation, an assault on Thessaloniki in February 1948, relied on a limited amount of mortars and artillery, Most of the attackers were killed or captured.