| Global Terrorism 1996 |
|
| Global Terrorism 1996 |
The following list of terrorist groups is not exhaustive. It
includes the major groups that have been active recently but does
not include groups whose activities have been more limited in
scope.
a.k.a.: Fatah Revolutionary Council, Arab Revolutionary Council, Arab Revolutionary Brigades, Black September, and Revolutionary Organization of Socialist Muslims
Description
International terrorist organization led by Sabri al-Banna. Split
from PLO in 1974. Made up of various functional committees, including
political, military, and financial.
Activities
Has carried out terrorist attacks in 20 countries, killing or
injuring almost 900 persons. Targets include the United States,
the United Kingdom, France, Israel, moderate Palestinians, the
PLO, and various Arab countries. Major attacks included the Rome
and Vienna airports in December 1985, the Neve Shalom synagogue
in Istanbul, the Pan Am Flight 73 hijacking in Karachi in September
1986, and the City of Poros day-excursion ship attack in July
1988 in Greece. Suspected of assassinating PLO deputy chief Abu
Iyad and PLO security chief Abu Hul in Tunis in January 1991.
ANO assassinated a Jordanian diplomat in Lebanon in January 1994
and has been linked to the killing of the PLO representative there.
Has not attacked Western targets since the late 1980s.
Strength
Several hundred plus militia in Lebanon and overseas support structure.
Location/Area of Operation
Currently headquartered in Libya with a presence in Lebanon in
the Al Biqa' (Bekaa Valley) and also several Palestinian refugee
camps in coastal areas of Lebanon. Also has a presence in Sudan.
Has demonstrated ability to operate over wide area, including
the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
External Aid
Has received considerable support, including safehaven, training,
logistic assistance, and financial aid from Iraq and Syria (until
1987); continues to receive aid from Libya, in addition to close
support for selected operations.
Description
Islamic extremist group operating in the southern Philippines
led by Abdurajik Abubakar Janjalani. Split from the Moro National
Liberation Front in 1991.
Activities
Uses bombs, assassinations, kidnappings for ransom, and extortion
payments from companies and businessmen in its efforts to promote
an Iranian-style Islamic state in Mindanao, an island in the southern
Philippines heavily populated by Muslims. Staged a raid on the
town of Ipil in Mindanao in April 1995, the group's first large-scale
action.
Strength
About 200 members, mostly younger Muslims, many of whom have studied
or worked in the Gulf states, where they were exposed to radical
Islamic ideology.
Location/Area of Operation
The ASG operates in the southern Philippines, and occasionally
in Manila.
External Aid
Probably has ties to Islamic extremists in the Middle East.
(see under J)
Description
The ABB, the urban hit squad of the Communist Party of the Philippines,
was formed in the mid-1980s.
Activities
The ABB is responsible for more than 100 murders and is believed
to have been involved in the 1989 murder of US Army Col. James
Rowe in the Philippines. Although reportedly decimated by a series
of arrests in late 1995, the June 1996 murder of a former high-ranking
Philippine official, claimed by the group, demonstrates that it
still maintains terrorist capabilities.
Strength
Unknown.
Location/Area of Operation
Operates exclusively in Manila.
External Aid
Unknown.
Description
An Islamic extremist group, the GIA aims to overthrow the secular
Algerian regime and replace it with an Islamic state. The GIA
began its violent activities in early 1992 after Algiers voided
the victory of the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS)--the largest
Islamic party--in the first round of December 1991 legislative
elections.
Activities
Frequent attacks against regime targets--particularly security
personnel and government officials--civilians, journalists, teachers,
and foreign residents. Since announcing its terrorist campaign
against foreigners living in Algeria in September 1993, the GIA
has killed about 100 expatriate men and women--mostly Europeans--in
the country. The GIA uses assassinations and bombings, including
car bombs, and it is known to favor kidnapping victims and slitting
their throats. The GIA hijacked an Air France flight to Algiers
in December 1994, and suspicions centered on the group for a series
of bombings in France in 1995 and one there in late 1996.
Strength
Unknown, probably several hundred to several thousand.
Location/Area of Operation
Algeria.
External Aid
Algerian expatriates, many of whom reside in Western Europe, provide
some financial and logistic support. In addition, the Algerian
Government has accused Iran and Sudan of supporting Algerian extremists,
and severed diplomatic relations with Iran in March 1993.
a.k.a.: Aum Shinrikyo
Description
A cult established in 1987 by Shoko Asahara, Aum aims to take
over Japan and then the world; its organizational structure mimics
that of a nation-state, with "ministries" and a "pope
secretariat." Followers are controlled by a mix of charismaticism
and coercion. Approved as a religious entity in 1989 under Japanese
law, the group was active in local Japanese elections in 1990.
Disbanded as a religious organization under Japanese law in October
1995.
Activities
On 20 March 1995 Aum members carried six packages onto Tokyo subway
trains and punctured the packages with umbrella tips, releasing
deadly sarin gas that killed 12 persons and injured more than
5,000. Japanese police arrested Asahara in May 1995 and he was
on trial as 1996 ended. Several key Aum figures remain at large.
The group may have perpetrated other crimes before the March 1995
attack and apparently planned future attacks.
Strength
At the time of the Tokyo subway attack, the group claimed to have
9,000 members in Japan and up to 40,000 worldwide. Its current
strength is unknown.
Location/Area of Operation
In addition to Japan, the group has maintained a presence in Australia,
Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, the former Yugoslavia,
and the United States.
External Aid
None.
Description
Founded in 1959 with the aim of creating an independent homeland
in Spain's Basque region. Has muted commitment to Marxism.
Activities
Chiefly bombings and assassinations of Spanish Government officials,
especially security and military forces as well as judicial figures.
In response to French operations against the group, ETA also has
targeted French interests. Finances its activities through kidnappings,
robberies, and extortion. In 1995 Spanish and French authorities
foiled an ETA plot to kill King Juan Carlos in Majorca.
Strength
Unknown; may have hundreds of members, plus supporters.
Location/Area of Operation
Operates primarily in the Basque autonomous regions of northern
Spain and southwestern France but also has bombed Spanish and
French interests elsewhere.
External Aid
Has received training at various times in Libya, Lebanon, and
Nicaragua. Also appears to have close ties to the Irish Republican
Army (IRA) through the two groups' political wings.
Description
An ultraleftist/radical group with origins in the fragmentation
of the Japanese Communist Party in 1957. Largest domestic militant
group; has political arm plus small, covert action wing called
Kansai Revolutionary Army. Funding derived from membership dues,
sales of its newspapers, and fundraising campaigns.
Activities
Participates in street demonstrations and commits sporadic attacks
using crude rockets and incendiary devices usually designed to
cause property damage rather than casualties. Protests Japan's
imperial system, Western imperialism, and events like the Gulf
war and the expansion of Tokyo's Narita airport. Has launched
rockets at a US military facility.
Strength
3,500.
Location/Area of Operation
Japan.
External Aid
None known.
Description
Marxist group that split from the PFLP in 1969. Believes Palestinian
national goals can be achieved only through revolution of the
masses. Opposes the Declaration of Principles (DOP) signed in
1993. In early 1980s occupied political stance midway between
Arafat and the rejectionists. Split into two factions in 1991,
one pro-Arafat and another more hardline faction headed by Nayif
Hawatmah (which has suspended participation in the PLO).
Activities
In the 1970s carried out numerous small bombings and minor assaults
and some more spectacular operations in Israel and the occupied
territories, concentrating on Israeli targets. Involved only in
border raids since 1988, but continues to oppose the Israel-PLO
peace agreement.
Strength
Estimated at 500 (total for both factions).
Location/Area of Operation
Syria, Lebanon, and the Israeli-occupied territories; attacks
have taken place entirely in Israel and the occupied territories.
External Aid
Receives financial and military aid from Syria and Libya.
a.k.a.: Dev Sol (see Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front, DHKP/C)
(see Revolutionary People's Struggle)
(see National Liberation Army)
(see Basque Fatherland and Liberty)
(see Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia)
(see Manuel Rodriguez Patriotic Front)
Description
An indigenous Egyptian Islamic extremist group active since the
late 1970s; appears to be loosely organized with no single readily
identifiable operational leader. Shaykh Umar Abd al-Rahman is
the preeminent spiritual leader. Goal is to overthrow the government
of President Hosni Mubarak and replace it with an Islamic state.
Activities
Armed attacks against Egyptian security and other government officials,
Coptic Christians, and Egyptian opponents of Islamic extremism.
The group also has launched attacks on tourists in Egypt since
1992. Al-Gama'at claimed responsibility for the attempt in June
1995 to assassinate President Hosni Mubarak in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Strength
Not known, but probably several thousand hardcore members and
another several thousand sympathizers.
Location/Area of Operation
Operates mainly in the Al Minya, Asyut, and Qina Governorates
of southern Egypt. It also appears to have support in Cairo, Alexandria,
and other urban locations, particularly among unemployed graduates
and students.
External Aid
Not known. Egyptian Government believes that Iran, Sudan, and
Afghan militant Islamic groups support the group.
Description
HAMAS was formed in late 1987 as an outgrowth of the Palestinian
branch of the Muslim Brotherhood. Various elements of HAMAS have
used both political and violent means, including terrorism, to
pursue the goal of establishing an Islamic Palestinian state in
place of Israel. HAMAS is loosely structured, with some elements
working openly through mosques and social service institutions
to recruit members, raise money, organize activities, and distribute
propaganda. Militant elements of HAMAS, operating clandestinely,
have advocated and used violence to advance their goals. HAMAS's
strength is concentrated in the Gaza Strip and a few areas of
the West Bank. It also has engaged in peaceful political activity,
such as running candidates in West Bank Chamber of Commerce elections.
Activities
HAMAS activists, especially those in the Izz el-Din al-Qassem
Forces, have conducted many attacks against Israeli civilian and
military targets, suspected Palestinian collaborators, and Fatah
rivals.
Strength
Unknown number of hardcore members; tens of thousands of supporters
and sympathizers.
Location/Area of Operation
Primarily the occupied territories, Israel, and Jordan.
External Aid
Receives funding from Palestinian expatriates, Iran, and private
benefactors in Saudi Arabia and other moderate Arab states. Some
fundraising and propaganda activity take place in Western Europe
and North America.
Description
HUA, an Islamic militant group that seeks Kashmir's accession
to Pakistan, was formed in October 1993 when two Pakistani political
activist groups, Harakat ul-Jihad al-Islami and Harakat ul-Mujahedin,
merged. According to the leader of the alliance, Maulana Saadatullah
Khan, the group's objective is to continue the armed struggle
against nonbelievers and anti-Islamic forces.
Activities
Has carried out a number of operations against Indian troops and
civilian targets in Kashmir. The HUA also supports Muslims in
Indian-controlled Kashmir with humanitarian and military assistance.
It has been linked to the Kashmiri militant group Al-Faran that
has held four Western hostages in Kashmir since July 1995. There
is no evidence that HUA ordered the kidnapping.
Strength
The Harakat ul-Ansar has several thousand armed members located
in Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, and in the southern Kashmir and the
Doda regions of India. The HUA uses light and heavy machineguns,
assault rifles, mortars, explosives, and rockets. Membership is
open to all who support the HUA's objectives and are willing to
take the group's 40-day training course. It has a core militant
group of about 300, mostly Pakistanis and Kashmiris, but includes
Afghans and Arab veterans of the Afghan war.
Location/Area of Operation
The HUA is based in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan, but HUA members have
participated in insurgent and terrorist operations in Kashmir,
Burma, Tajikistan, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The HUA is actively
involved in supporting Muslims in Indian-controlled Kashmir with
humanitarian and military assistance. The HUA's Burma branch,
located in the Arakan Mountains, trains local Muslims in weapons
handling and guerrilla warfare. In Tajikistan, HUA members have
served with and trained Tajik resistance elements. The first group
of Harakat militants entered Bosnia in 1992.
External Aid
The HUA collects donations from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf and
Islamic states to purchase relief supplies, which it distributes
to Muslims in Tajikistan, Kashmir, and Burma. The source and amount
of HUA's military funding are unknown but are believed to come
from sympathetic Arab countries and wealthy Pakistanis and Kashmiris.
a.k.a.: Islamic Jihad, Revolutionary Justice Organization, Organization of the Oppressed on Earth, and Islamic Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine
Description
Radical Shia group formed in Lebanon; dedicated to creation of
Iranian-style Islamic republic in Lebanon and removal of all non-Islamic
influences from area. Strongly anti-West and anti-Israel. Closely
allied with, and often directed by, Iran, but may have conducted
rogue operations that were not approved by Tehran.
Activities
Known or suspected to have been involved in numerous anti-US terrorist
attacks, including the suicide truck bombing of the US Embassy
and US Marine barracks in Beirut in October 1983 and the US Embassy
annex in Beirut in September 1984. Elements of the group were
responsible for the kidnapping and detention of US and other Western
hostages in Lebanon. The group also attacked the Israeli Embassy
in Argentina in 1992.
Strength
Several thousand.
Location/Area of Operation
Operates in the Bekaa Valley, the southern suburbs of Beirut,
and southern Lebanon. Has established cells in Europe, Africa,
South America, North America, and elsewhere.
External Aid
Receives substantial amounts of financial, training, weapons,
explosives, political, diplomatic, and organizational aid from
Iran.
a.k.a.: Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA), The Provos
Description
Radical terrorist group formed in 1969 as clandestine armed wing
of Sinn Fein, a legal political movement dedicated to removing
British forces from Northern Ireland and unifying Ireland. Has
a Marxist orientation. Organized into small, tightly knit cells
under the leadership of the Army Council.
Activities
Bombings, assassinations, kidnappings, extortion, and robberies.
Before its 1994 cease-fire, targets included senior British Government
officials, British military and police in Northern Ireland, and
Northern Irish Loyalist paramilitary groups. Since breaking its
cease-fire in February 1996, IRA's operations have included bombing
campaigns against train and subway stations and shopping areas
on mainland Britain, British military and Royal Ulster Constabulary
targets in Northern Ireland, and a British military facility on
the European continent.
Strength
Several hundred, plus several thousand sympathizers.
Location/Area of Operation
Northern Ireland, Irish Republic, Great Britain, and Europe.
External Aid
Has received aid from a variety of groups and countries and considerable
training and arms from Libya and, at one time, the PLO. Also is
suspected of receiving funds and arms from sympathizers in the
United States. Similarities in operations suggest links to ETA.
(see HAMAS)
Description
Jamaat ul-Fuqra is an Islamic sect that seeks to purify Islam
through violence. Fuqra is led by Pakistani cleric Shaykh Mubarik
Ali Gilani, who established the organization in the early 1980s.
Gilani now resides in Pakistan, but most Fuqra cells are located
in North America. Fuqra members have purchased isolated rural
compounds in North America to live communally, practice their
faith, and insulate themselves from Western culture.
Activities
Fuqra members have attacked a variety of targets that they view
as enemies of Islam, including Muslims they regard as heretics
and Hindus. Attacks during the 1980s included assassinations and
firebombings across the United States. Fuqra members in the United
States have been convicted of criminal violations, including murder
and fraud.
Strength
Unknown.
Location/Area of Operation
North America, Pakistan.
External Aid
None.
a.k.a.: Anti-Imperialist International Brigade (AIIB)
Description
An international terrorist group formed around 1970 after breaking
away from Japanese Communist League-Red Army Faction. Now led
by Fusako Shigenobu, believed to be in Syrian-garrisoned area
of Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. Stated goals are to overthrow Japanese
Government and monarchy and to help foment world revolution. Organization
unclear but may control or at least have ties to Anti-Imperialist
International Brigade (AIIB). Details released following arrest
in November 1987 of leader Osamu Maruoka indicate that JRA may
have been organizing cells in Asian cities, such as Manila and
Singapore. Has had close and longstanding relations with Palestinian
terrorist groups--based and operating outside Japan--since its
inception.
Activities
During the 1970s JRA carried out a series of attacks around the
world, including the massacre in 1972 at Lod Airport in Israel,
two Japanese airliner hijackings, and an attempted takeover of
the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. In April 1988 JRA operative Yu
Kikumura was arrested with explosives on the New Jersey Turnpike,
apparently planning an attack to coincide with the bombing of
a USO club in Naples, a suspected JRA operation that killed five,
including a US servicewoman. He was convicted of these charges
and is serving a lengthy prison sentence in the United States.
Several other hardcore members have been arrested around the world
in recent years, some of whom have been deported to Japan.
Strength
About 15 hardcore members; undetermined number of sympathizers.
Location/Area of Operation
Based in Syrian-controlled areas of Lebanon; often transits Damascus.
External Aid
Unknown.
a.k.a.: Jihad Group, Vanguards of Conquest, Talaa' al-Fateh, International Justice Group, World Justice Group
Description
An Egyptian Islamic extremist group active since the late 1970s;
appears to be divided into at least two separate factions: remnants
of the original Jihad led by Abbud al-Zumar, currently imprisoned
in Egypt, and a faction calling itself Vanguards of Conquest (Talaa'
al-Fateh). The Vanguards of Conquest appears to be led by Dr.
Ayman al-Zawahiri, who is currently outside Egypt; his specific
whereabouts are unknown. Like al-Gama'at al-Islamiyya, the Jihad
factions regard Sheikh Umar Abd-al Rahman as their spiritual leader.
The goal of all Jihad factions is to overthrow the government
of President Hosni Mubarak and replace it with an Islamic state.
Activities
Specializes in armed attacks against high-level Egyptian Government
officials. The original Jihad was responsible for the assassination
in 1981 of President Anwar Sadat. Unlike al-Gama'at al-Islamiyya,
which mainly targets mid- and lower-level security personnel,
Coptic Christians, and Western tourists, al-Jihad appears to concentrate
primarily on high-level, high-profile Egyptian Government officials,
including cabinet ministers. Claimed responsibility for the attempted
assassinations of Interior Minister Hassan al-Alfi in August 1993
and Prime Minister Atef Sedky in November 1993.
Strength
Not known, but probably several thousand hardcore members and
another several thousand sympathizers among the various factions.
Location/Area of Operation
Operates mainly in the Cairo area. Also appears to have members
outside Egypt, probably in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Sudan.
External Aid
Not known. The Egyptian Government claims that Iran, Sudan, and
militant Islamic groups in Afghanistan support the Jihad factions.
Description
Stated goal is to restore the biblical state of Israel. Kach (founded
by radical Israeli-American rabbi Meir Kahane) and its offshoot
Kahane Chai, which means "Kahane Lives," (founded by
Meir Kahane's son Binyamin following his father's assassination
in the United States) were declared to be terrorist organizations
in March 1994 by the Israeli Cabinet under the 1948 Terrorism
Law. This followed the groups' statements in support of Dr. Baruch
Goldstein's attack in February 1994 on the al-Ibrahimi Mosque--Goldstein
was affiliated with Kach--and their verbal attacks on the Israeli
Government.
Activities
Organize protests against the Israeli Government. Harass and threaten
Palestinians in Hebron and the West Bank. Groups have threatened
to attack Arabs, Palestinians, and Israeli Government officials.
They also claimed responsibility for several shooting attacks
on West Bank Palestinians in which four persons were killed and
two were wounded in 1993.
Strength
Unknown.
Location/Area of Operation
Israel and West Bank settlements, particularly Qiryat Arba' in
Hebron.
External Aid
Receives support from sympathizers in the United States and Europe.
(see The Party of Democratic Kampuchea)
Description
Established in 1974 as a Marxist-Leninist insurgent group primarily
composed of Turkish Kurds. In recent years has moved beyond rural-based
insurgent activities to include urban terrorism. Seeks to set
up an independent Kurdish state in southeastern Turkey, where
there is a predominantly Kurdish population.
Activities
Primary targets are Turkish Government security forces in Turkey
but also has been active in Western Europe against Turkish targets.
Conducted attacks on Turkish diplomatic and commercial facilities
in dozens of West European cities in 1993 and again in spring
1995. In an attempt to damage Turkey's tourist industry, the PKK
has bombed tourist sites and hotels and has kidnapped foreign
tourists.
Strength
Approximately 10,000 to 15,000 guerrillas. Has thousands of sympathizers
in Turkey and Europe.
Location/Area of Operation
Operates in Turkey, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
External Aid
Receives safehaven and modest aid from Syria, Iraq, and Iran.
Other known front organizations: World Tamil Association (WTA), World Tamil Movement (WTM), the Federation of Associations of Canadian Tamils (FACT), the Ellalan Force
Description
Founded in 1976, the LTTE is the most powerful Tamil group in
Sri Lanka and uses overt and illegal methods to raise funds, acquire
weapons, and publicize its cause of establishing an independent
Tamil state. The LTTE began its armed conflict with the Sri Lankan
Government in 1983 and relies on a guerrilla strategy that includes
the use of terrorist tactics.
Activities
The LTTE has integrated a battlefield insurgent strategy with
a terrorist program that targets not only key personnel in the
countryside but also senior Sri Lankan political and military
leaders in Colombo. Political assassinations have included former
Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 and President Ranasinghe
Premadasa in 1993. The LTTE has refrained from targeting Western
tourists out of fear that foreign governments would crack down
on Tamil expatriates involved in fundraising activities abroad.
Strength
Approximately 10,000 armed combatants in Sri Lanka; about 3,000
to 6,000 form a trained cadre of fighters. Also has a significant
overseas support structure for fundraising, weapons procurement,
and propaganda activities.
Location/Area of Operation
The LTTE controls most of the northern and eastern coastal areas
of Sri Lanka but has conducted operations throughout the island.
Headquartered in the Jaffna Peninsula, LTTE leader Velupillai
Prabhakaran has established an extensive network of checkpoints
and informants to keep track of any outsiders who enter the group's
area of control. The LTTE prefers to attack vulnerable government
facilities, then withdraw before reinforcements arrive.
External Aid
The LTTE's overt organizations support Tamil separatism by lobbying
foreign governments and the United Nations. The LTTE also uses
its international contacts to procure weapons, communications,
and bomb-making equipment. The LTTE exploits large Tamil communities
in North America, Europe, and Asia to obtain funds and supplies
for its fighters in Sri Lanka. Information obtained since the
mid-1980s indicates that some Tamil communities in Europe are
also involved in narcotics smuggling. Tamils historically have
served as drug couriers moving narcotics into Europe.
Description
Originally the FPMR was founded in 1983 as the armed wing of the
Chilean Communist Party and was named for the hero of Chile's
war of independence against Spain. The group splintered into two
factions in the late 1980s, and one faction became a political
party in 1991. The dissident wing FPMR/D is Chile's only remaining
active terrorist group.
Activities
FPMR/D attacks civilians and international targets, including
US businesses and Mormon churches. In 1993 FPMR/D bombed two McDonald's
restaurants and attempted to bomb a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant.
Successful government counterterrorist operations have significantly
undercut the organization. The FPMR staged an escape from prison
using a helicopter, however, in December 1996.
Strength
Now believed to have between 50 and 100 members.
Location/Area of Operation
Chile.
External Aid
None.
Description
A radical, leftist terrorist group that first appeared in the
late 1980s. Attacks made to protest US intervention in Honduran
economic and political affairs.
Activities
Attacks on US, mainly military, personnel in Honduras. Claimed
responsibility for attack on a bus in March 1990 that wounded
seven US servicemen. Claimed bombing of Peace Corps office in
December 1988; bus bombing that wounded three US servicemen in
February 1989; attack on US convoy in April 1989; and grenade
attack that wounded seven US soldiers in La Ceiba in July 1989.
Strength
Unknown, probably relatively small.
Location/Area of Operation
Honduras.
External Aid
Had ties to former Government of Nicaragua and possibly Cuba.
a.k.a.: The National Liberation Army of Iran (NLA, the militant wing of the MEK), the People's Mujahedin of Iran (PMOI), National Council of Resistance (NCR), Muslim Iranian Student's Society (front organization used to garner financial support)
Description
Formed in the 1960s by the college-educated children of Iranian
merchants, the MEK sought to counter what is perceived as excessive
Western influence in the Shah's regime. In the 1970s the MEK concluded
that violence was the only way to bring about change in Iran.
Since then, the MEK--following a philosophy that mixes Marxism
and Islam--has developed into the largest and most active armed
Iranian dissident group. Its history is studded with anti-Western
activity, and, most recently, attacks on the interests of the
clerical regime in Iran and abroad.
Activities
The MEK directs a worldwide campaign against the Iranian Government
that stresses propaganda and occasionally uses terrorist violence.
During the 1970s the MEK staged terrorist attacks inside Iran
to destabilize and embarrass the Shah's regime; the group killed
several US military personnel and civilians working on defense
projects in Tehran. The group also supported the takeover in 1979
of the US Embassy in Tehran. In April 1992 the MEK carried out
attacks on Iranian embassies in 13 different countries, demonstrating
the group's ability to mount large-scale operations overseas.
Strength
Several thousand fighters based in Iraq with an extensive overseas
support structure. Most of the fighters are organized in the MEK's
National Liberation Army (NLA).
Location/Area of Operation
In the 1980s the MEK's leaders were forced by Iranian security
forces to flee to France. Most resettled in Iraq by 1987. Since
the mid-1980s the MEK has not mounted terrorist operations in
Iran at a level similar to its activities in the 1970s. Aside
from the National Liberation Army's attacks into Iran toward the
end of the Iran-Iraq war, and occasional NLA cross-border incursions
since, the MEK's attacks on Iran have amounted to little more
than harassment. The MEK has had more success in confronting Iranian
representatives overseas through propaganda and street demonstrations.
External Aid
Beyond support from Iraq, the MEK uses front organizations to
solicit contributions from expatriate Iranian communities.
(see Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement)
includes Nestor Paz Zamora Commission (CNPZ)
Description
ELN claims to be resuscitation of group established by Che Guevara
in 1960s. Includes numerous small factions of indigenous subversive
groups, including CNPZ, which is largely inactive today.
Activities
ELN and CNPZ have attacked US interests in the past but more recently
has focused almost exclusively on Bolivian domestic targets.
Strength
Unknown; probably fewer than 100.
Location/Area of Operation
Bolivia.
External Aid
None.
Description
Rural-based, anti-US, Maoist-Marxist-Leninist guerrilla group
formed in 1963. Attempted peace talks with the government ended
in May 1992.
Activities
Periodically kidnaps foreign employees of large corporations and
holds them for large ransom payments. Conducts frequent assaults
on oil infrastructure and has inflicted major damage on pipelines.
Extortion and bombings against US and other foreign businesses,
especially the petroleum industry. Forces coca and opium poppy
cultivators to pay protection money and attacks the government's
efforts to eradicate these crops.
Strength
At least 3,000 combatants.
Location/Area of Operation
Colombia, border regions of Venezuela.
External Aid
None.
Description
The guerrilla arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP),
an avowedly Maoist group formed in December 1969 with the aim
of overthrowing the government through protracted guerrilla warfare.
Although primarily a rural-based guerrilla group, the NPA has
an active urban infrastructure to carry out terrorism; uses city-based
assassination squads called sparrow units. Derives most of its
funding from contributions of supporters and so-called revolutionary
taxes extorted from local businesses.
Activities
NPA is in disarray because of a split in the CPP, a lack of money,
and successful government operations. With the US military gone
from the country, NPA has engaged in urban terrorism against the
police, corrupt politicians, and drug traffickers.
Strength
Several thousand.
Location/Area of Operation
Philippines.
External Aid
Unknown.
Description
The PIJ, which originated among militant Palestinians in the Gaza
Strip during the 1970s, is a series of loosely affiliated factions
rather than a cohesive group. The PIJ is committed to the creation
of an Islamic Palestinian state and the destruction of Israel
through holy war. Because of its strong support for Israel, the
United States has been identified as an enemy of the PIJ. The
PIJ also opposes moderate Arab governments that it believes have
been tainted by Western secularism.
Activities
PIJ militants have threatened to retaliate against Israel and
the United States for the murder of PIJ leader Fathi Shaqaqi in
Malta in October 1995. It has carried out suicide bombing attacks
against Israeli targets in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Israel.
The PIJ has threatened to attack US interests in Jordan.
Strength
Unknown.
Location/Area of Operation
Primarily Israel and the occupied territories and other parts
of the Middle East, including Jordan and Lebanon. The largest
faction is based in Syria.
External Aid
Probably receives financial assistance from Iran and possibly
some assistance from Syria.
Description
Terrorist group that broke away from the PFLP-GC in mid-1970s.
Later split again into pro-PLO, pro-Syrian, and pro-Libyan factions.
Pro-PLO faction led by Muhammad Abbas (Abu Abbas), who became
member of PLO Executive Committee in 1984 but left it in 1991.
Activities
The Abu Abbas-led faction has carried out attacks against Israel.
Abbas's group was also responsible for the attack in 1985 on the
cruise ship Achille Lauro and the murder of US citizen Leon Klinghoffer.
A warrant for Abu Abbas's arrest is outstanding in Italy.
Strength
At least 50.
Location/Area of Operation
PLO faction based in Tunisia until Achille Lauro attack. Now based
in Iraq.
External Aid
Receives logistic and military support mainly from PLO, but also
from Libya and Iraq.
Description
Communist insurgency that is trying to destabilize the Cambodian
Government. Under Pol Pot's leadership, the Khmer Rouge conducted
a campaign of genocide in which more than 1 million people were
killed during its four years in power in the late 1970s. Although
there were large-scale defections from the Khmer Rouge to Cambodian
Government forces in 1996, the group still may be considered dangerous.
Activities
The Khmer Rouge now is engaged in a low-level insurgency against
the Cambodian Government. Although its victims are mainly Cambodian
villagers, the Khmer Rouge has occasionally kidnapped and killed
foreigners traveling in remote rural areas.
Strength
One to two thousand.
Location/Area of Operation
Operates in outlying provinces in Cambodia, particularly in pockets
along the Thailand border.
External Aid
None.
(see Kurdistan Workers' Party)
Description
Marxist-Leninist group founded in 1967 by George Habash as a member
of the PLO. Advocates a Pan-Arab revolution. Opposes the Declaration
of Principles signed in 1993 and has suspended participation in
the PLO.
Activities
Committed numerous international terrorist attacks during the
1970s. Since 1978 PFLP has carried out numerous attacks against
Israeli or moderate Arab targets, including the killing of a settler
and her son in December 1996.
Strength
Some 800.
Location/Area of Operation
Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and the occupied territories.
External Aid
Receives most of its financial and military assistance from Syria
and Libya.
Description
Split from the PFLP in 1968, claiming that it wanted to focus
more on fighting and less on politics. Violently opposed to Arafat's
PLO. Led by Ahmad Jibril, a former captain in the Syrian Army.
Closely allied with, supported by, and probably directed by Syria.
Activities
Has carried out numerous cross-border terrorist attacks into Israel
using unusual means, such as hot-air balloons and motorized hang
gliders.
Strength
Several hundred.
Location/Area of Operation
Headquartered in Damascus, bases in Lebanon, and cells in Europe.
External Aid
Receives logistic and military support from Syria, its chief sponsor;
financial support from Libya; safehaven in Syria. Receives support
also from Iran.
(see Irish Republican Army)
Description
The largest, best trained, and best equipped guerrilla organization
in Colombia. Established in 1966 as military wing of Colombian
Communist Party. Goal is to overthrow government and ruling class.
Organized along military lines; includes at least one urban front.
Has been anti-US since its inception.
Activities
Armed attacks against Colombian political and military targets.
Many members pursue criminal activities, carrying out kidnappings
for profit and bank robberies. Foreign citizens often are targets
of FARC kidnappings. Group traffics in drugs and has well-documented
ties to narcotraffickers.
Strength
Approximately 7,000 armed combatants and an unknown number of
supporters, mostly in rural areas.
Location/Area of Operation
Colombia, with occasional operations in Venezuela, Panama, and
Ecuador.
External Aid
None.
Description
A radical leftist group established in 1975 and named for the
November 1973 student uprising in Greece protesting the military
regime. The group is anti-Greek establishment, anti-US, anti-Turkey,
anti-NATO; committed to the ouster of US bases, removal of Turkish
military presence from Cyprus, and severing of Greece's ties to
NATO and the European Union (EU). Organization is obscure, possibly
affiliated with other Greek terrorist groups.
Activities
Initial attacks were assassinations of senior US officials and
Greek public figures. Added bombings in 1980s. Since 1990, has
expanded targets to include EU facilities and foreign firms investing
in Greece and has added improvised rocket attacks to its methods.
Strength
Unknown, but presumed to be small.
Location/Area of Operation
Athens, Greece.
External Aid
Unknown.
a.k.a.: Devrimci Sol (Revolutionary Left), Dev Sol
Description
Originally formed in 1978 as Devrimci Sol, or Dev Sol, it was
a splinter faction of the Turkish People's Liberation Party/Front.
Renamed in 1994 after factional infighting, it still espouses
a Marxist ideology and is virulently anti-US and anti-NATO. The
group finances its activities chiefly through armed robberies
and extortion.
Activities
Since the late 1980s has concentrated attacks against current
and retired Turkish security and military officials. Began a new
campaign against foreign interests in 1990. Protesting the Gulf
war, it assassinated two US military contractors and wounded a
US Air Force officer. Launched rockets at US Consulate in Istanbul
in 1992. Assassinated prominent Turkish businessman in early 1996,
its first significant terrorist act as DHKP/C.
Strength
Unknown.
Location/Area of Operation
Carries out attacks in Turkey, primarily in Istanbul, Ankara,
Izmir, and Adana. Conducts fundraising operations in Europe.
External Aid
Possible training support from radical Palestinians.
Description
An extreme leftist group that developed out of the opposition
to the military junta that ruled Greece from 1967 to 1974. Formed
in 1971, the ELA is a self-described revolutionary, anti-capitalist,
and anti-imperialist group, which has declared its opposition
to "imperialist domination, exploitation, and oppression."
The ELA is strongly anti-US and seeks the removal of US military
forces from Greece.
Activities
Since 1974 the group has carried out bombings against Greek government
and economic targets as well as US military and business facilities.
In 1986 the group stepped up attacks on Greek Government and commercial
interests. In November 1990 a raid on a safehouse revealed a weapons
cache and direct contacts with other Greek terrorist groups, including
1 May and Revolutionary Solidarity. During 1991 ELA and 1 May
claimed joint responsibility for more than 20 bombings. Greek
police believe they have established a link between the ELA and
the Revolutionary Organization 17 November.
Strength
Unknown.
Location/Area of Operation
Greece.
External Aid
No known foreign sponsors.
Description
Larger of Peru's two insurgencies, SL is among the world's most
ruthless guerrilla organizations. Formed in the late 1960s by
then university professor Abimael Guzman. Stated goal is to destroy
existing Peruvian institutions and replace them with peasant revolutionary
regime. Also wants to rid Peru of foreign influences. Guzman's
capture in September 1992 was a major blow, as were arrests of
other SL leaders in 1995, defections, and President Fujimori's
amnesty program for repentant terrorists.
Activities
Engages in particularly brutal forms of terrorism, including the
indiscriminate use of bombs. Almost every institution in Peru
has been a target of SL violence. Has bombed diplomatic missions
of several countries in Peru, including the US Embassy. Carries
out bombing campaigns and selective assassinations. Has attacked
US businesses since its inception. Involved in cocaine trade.
Strength
Approximately 1,500 to 2,500 armed militants; larger number of
supporters, mostly in rural areas.
Location/Area of Operation
Rural based, with some terrorist attacks in the capital.
External Aid
None.
(see Revolutionary Organization 17 November)
Description
Sikh terrorism is sponsored by expatriate and Indian Sikh groups
who want to carve out an independent Sikh state called Khalistan
(Land of the Pure) from Indian territory. Active groups include
Babbar Khalsa, Azad Khalistan Babbar Khalsa Force, Khalistan Liberation
Front, and Khalistan Commando Force. Many of these groups operate
under umbrella organizations, the most significant of which is
the Second Panthic Committee.
Activities
Sikh attacks in India are mounted against Indian officials and
facilities, other Sikhs, and Hindus; they include assassinations,
bombings, and kidnappings. These attacks have dropped markedly
since 1992, as Indian security forces have killed or captured
a host of senior Sikh militant leaders. Total civilian deaths
in Punjab have declined more than 95 percent since more than 3,300
civilians died in 1991. The drop results largely from Indian Army,
paramilitary, and police successes against extremist groups.
Strength
Unknown.
Location/Area of Operation
Northern India, Western Europe, Southeast Asia, and North America.
External Aid
Sikh militant cells are active internationally and extremists
gather funds from overseas Sikh communities. Sikh expatriates
have formed a variety of international organizations that lobby
for the Sikh cause overseas. Most prominent are the World Sikh
Organization and the International Sikh Youth Federation.
Description
Traditional Marxist-Leninist revolutionary movement formed in
1983. Objective remains to rid Peru of imperialism and establish
Marxist regime. Has suffered from defections and government counterterrorist
successes in addition to infighting and loss of leftist support.
Activities
Bombings, kidnappings, ambushes, assassinations. Previously responsible
for large number of anti-US attacks; recent activity has dropped
off dramatically. Most members have been jailed. Nevertheless,
in December 1996 some 23 MRTA members took over the Japanese Ambassador's
residence in Lima during a diplomatic reception, capturing hundreds
of hostages. Eighty-one Peruvian and Japanese citizens continued
to be held at year's end.
Strength
Unknown; greatly diminished in recent years.
Location/Area of Operation
Peru.
External Aid
None.
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