ELAS is an acronym that stands for "Ethniki Laiki Amina," which refers to the Greek People's Liberation Army. It was a resistance organization and paramilitary group formed during World War II in Greece. The ELAS played a crucial role in Greece's fight against Nazi Germany and its Axis collaborators.
The ELAS emerged in 1942 as a communist-led partisan force, aiming to liberate and defend Greek territories from the German occupation. It rapidly gained popularity, especially in rural areas, by conducting guerrilla warfare and sabotage operations against Axis forces. The group's actions primarily focused on disrupting German supply lines, gathering intelligence, and organizing acts of civil disobedience.
With time, the ELAS became one of the most powerful resistance groups in Greece, featuring a structured command system and engaging thousands of fighters. It established liberated areas within the country and initiated various social reforms, such as land redistribution and workers' rights.
Despite its significant contributions to the Greek resistance and the liberation of the country, the ELAS faced challenges and conflicts with other resistance groups and political factions. These tensions led to a civil war-like situation after World War II, as different factions sought to shape the future direction of Greece.
Overall, the ELAS played a crucial role in Greece's struggle for freedom during World War II, representing a popular, communist-led resistance organization that fought against the Axis forces and actively participated in the country's liberation efforts.
