Following their invasion of Greece, German forces implemented aggressive military tactics in order to secure control over occupied territories. The villages of Kondomari and Alikianos on the island of Crete became the scene of brutal reprisals on June 2, committed by German paratroopers as part of their counter-insurgency measures. The civilians in these villages were perceived as threats due to potential partisans, leading to a violent response from a military determined to crush any form of rebellion.

Reports indicate that many civilians were rounded up and executed in what was portrayed as a strategic military operation. Access to food and resources was severely restricted, and those who had previously supported the Greek resistance faced harsh consequences. The brutality of the attacks not only resulted in significant loss of life but also solidified the German strategy of terror aimed at deterring future resistance movements. The key incident in these villages became emblematic of the widespread atrocities committed throughout the German occupation in Greece.

The repercussions of these actions contributed to the larger narrative of civilian suffering during the war, raising questions about the ethics of military operations in populated areas. By targeting ordinary citizens as a deterrent, the German military sought to instil fear and consolidate its dominance over Crete's strategic location in the Mediterranean, affecting local morale and resistance efforts in subsequent months and years.