EOKA B

EOKA B
Leaders
Dates of operation1971–1978
HeadquartersCyprus
IdeologyGreek nationalism
Enosis
Anti-communism
Anti-Turkish sentiment
Political positionFar-right
Allies Greek military junta of 1967–74 (since January 1974)
Progressive Front
Opponents Republic of Cyprus
Turkey
TMT
EDEK
AKEL
Pro-Makarios supporters
Battles and wars1974 Cypriot coup d'état
Turkish invasion of Cyprus

EOKA-B or Ethniki Organosis Kyprion Agoniston B (EOKA B /ˈkə/; Greek: Εθνική Οργάνωσις Κυπρίων Αγωνιστών, lit.'National Organisation of Cypriot Fighters') was a Greek Cypriot paramilitary organisation formed in 1971 by General Georgios Grivas. It followed an ultra right-wing nationalistic ideology and had the ultimate goal of achieving the enosis (union) of Cyprus with Greece. During its short history, the organisation's chief aim was to block any attempt to enforce upon the Cyprus people what the organisation considered to be an unacceptable settlement to the Cyprus issue. In addition, the organisation drafted various plans to overthrow President Makarios. The organisation continued its activities until it officially declared its dissolution and disbanded on 11 February 1978.

Due to its attacks on civilians (Post Grivas), it was considered a criminal organization and was outlawed by the Republic of Cyprus after the death of George Grivas. Among the attacks it is responsible for is the Maratha, Santalaris and Aloda massacre. EOKA-B members were arrested for the kidnapping of the son of president Spyros Kyprianou and for being involved in the assassination of US ambassador Rodger Paul Davies. Homicide charges were dropped on 4 June 1977 by a Cypriot court against the two men accused of killing the ambassador. According to the Washington Post's 1970s Cyprus correspondent, Joseph W. Fitchett, EOKA-B members were "motivated by a mixture of patriotism, money and macho".