TERRORIST PROFILES
From "The Profiles of Global Terrorism", an annual
report published by the US State Department. These
files were serialized as The Terrorist Profile
Weekly,an email list service edited by Chris J DiBona
[cdibona@mason1.gmu.edu]. The list is now defunct:
DO NOT attempt to subscribe.
=======================================================
All information herein is in the public domain, as derived
from government documents at the US Department of State.
=======================================================
CONTENTS:
srch group name country
---- ---------- -------
*1> 15 MAY ORGANIZATION Iraq
*2> REVOLUTIONARY ORGANIZATION 17 NOVEMBER Greece
(17 November)
*3> 1st OF OCTOBER ANTIFASCIST RESISTANCE GROUP Spain
(GRAPO)
*4> FORCE 17 Lebanon
*5> ABU NIDAL ORGANIZATION (ANO) Lybia/Syria
*6> PALESTINE LIBERATION FRONT (PLF) Tunisia/Iraq
*7> AL-FATAH Tunisia/Lebanon
*8> ARMENIAN SECRET ARMY FOR THE LIBERATION Lebanon
OF ARMENIA (ASALA) (aka The Orly Group)
*9> BASQUE FATHERLAND AND LIBERTY (ETA) Spain/France
*10> CHUKAKU-HA (Nucleus or Middle-Core Japan
Faction)
CNPZ (see Nestor Paz Zamora Commission)
*11> DEMOCRATIC FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF Syria/Lebanon
PALESTINE (DFLP)
*12> DEVRIMCI SOL (aka: DEV SOL) Turkey
*13> REVOLUTIONARY ARMED FORCES OF COLOMBIA (FARC) Colombia
*14> FARABUNDO MARTI NATIONAL LIBERATION FRONT El Salvador
(FMLN)
*15> HAWARI GROUP [aka: Fatah Special Operations Middle East
Group Martyrs of Tal Al Za'atar, Amn Araissi)
*16> HIZBALLAH (Party of God) [aka: Islamic Jihad] Lebanon/Bekaa Val.
*17> JAPANESE RED ARMY (JRA) [aka: Anti-Imperialist Lebanon/Syria
International Brigade (AIIB)]
*18> KURDISH WORKER'S PARTY (PKK) [aka: Kurdish Iran/Syria/Iraq
Labor Party]
*19> EMANUEL RODRIGUEZ PATRIOTIC FRONT (FPMR) Chile
MJL (see Lautaro Youth Movement)
*20> MORAZANIST PATRIOTIC FRONT (FPM) Honduras
*21> LAUTARO YOUTH MOVEMENT (MJL) Chile
*22> MOZAMBICAN NATIONAL RESISTANCE (RENAMO) Mozambique
MRTA (see Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement)
*23> NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY (ELM)--Bolivia Bolivia
*24> NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY (ELN)--Colombia Colombia
*25> NESTOR PAZ ZAMORA COMMISSION (CNPZ) Bolivia
*26> NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY (NPA) Philipines
*27> POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF Syria
PALESTINE-GENERAL COMMAND (PFLP-GC)
*28> PALESTINIAN ISLAMIC JIHAD (PIJ) Gaza
*29> POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF Lebanon
PALESTINE SPECIAL COMMAND (PFLP-SC)
*30> PALESTINE LIBERATION ORGANIZATION (PLO) Tunis
*31> POPULAR STRUGGLE FRONT (PSF) Syria
*32> RED ARMY FACTION (RAF) Germany
*33> REVOLUTIONARY PEOPLE'S STRUGGLE (ELA) Greece
*34> SENDERO LUMINOSO (Shining Path, SL) Peru
*35> TERRA LLIURE (TL) (Free Land) Spain
*36> TUPAC AMARU REVOLUTIONARY MOVEMENT (MRTA) Peru/Bolivia
*37> PROVISIONAL IRISH REPUBLICAN ARMY (PIRA) N. Ireland
[aka: The Provos]
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
*1> 15 MAY ORGANIZATION
DESCRIPTION
Formed in 1979 from remnants of Wadi Haddad's Popular Front
for the Liberation of Palestine-Special Operations Group
(PFLP-SOG). Led by Muhammad al-Umari, who is known
throughout Palestinian circles as Abu Ibrahim or the bomb
man. Group was never part of PLO. Reportedly disbanded in
the mid-1980s when several key members joined Colonel
Hawari's Special Operations Group of Fatah.
ACTIVITIES
Claimed credit for several bombings in the early-to-mid-
1980s,including hotel bombing in London (1980), El Al's Rome
and Istanbul offices (1981), and Israeli Embassies in Athens
and Vienna (1981). Anti-US attacks include an attempted
bombing of a Pan Am airliner in Rio de Janeiro and a bombing
on board a Pan Am flight from Tokyo to Honolulu in August
1982. (The accused bomber in this last attack, Mohammed
Rashid, is currently jailed in Greece following his
conviction for the bombing, which killed a Japanese
teenager.)
STRENGTH
50 to 60 in early 1980s.
LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION
Baghdad until 1984. Before disbanding, operated in Middle
East, Europe, and East Asia, Abu Ibrahim is reportedly in
Iraq.
EXTERNAL AID
Probably received logistic and financial support from Iraq
until 1984.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*2> REVOLUTIONARY ORGANIZATION 17 NOVEMBER (17 November)
Description
A radical leftist group established in 1975 and named for
the November 1973 student uprising protesting the military
regime. Anti-US, anti-Turkish, anti-NATO; committed to
violent overthrow of the regime, ouster of US bases, removal
of Turkish military presence from Cyprus, and severing of
Greece's ties to NATO and the EC. Organization is obscure,
possibly affiliated with other Greek terrorist groups.
Activities
Initial attacks were selected handgun assassinations against
senior US officials , including US Embassy official Richard
Welch in 1975 and US Navy Captain George Tsantes in 1983.
Began assassinating Greek officials and public figures in
1976 and added bombings, including attacks against US
military buses in 1987 and assassination of US defense
attache William Nordeen in 1988. Since 1990 has expanded
targeting to include EC facilities and foreign firms
investing in Greece, and added improvised rocket attacks to
its methods. In 1991 was responsible for at least five of
the 15 terrorist attacks against coalition targets in Greece
during the Gulf War, including the assassination in March of
a US Army sergeant. Also stepped up attacks against Turkish
interests with attempted murder of Turkish Embassy official
in July and assassination of Turkish Embassy press attache
in October.
Strength
Unknown, but presumed to be small.
Location/Area of Operations
Greece, primarily in Athens metropolitan area.
External Aid
May receive support from ELA and other Greek terrorist group
cadres.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*3> FIRST OF OCTOBER ANTIFASCIST RESISTANCE GROUP (GRAPO)
DESCRIPTION
Small, Maoist urban terrorist group established in 1975.
Loosely associated with the Spanish Communist Party-
Reconstituted. Seeks to remove US military forces from Spain
and establish a revolutionary regime.
ACTIVITIES
Carried out small-scale bombing attacks on US and NATO
facilities in early 1980s; capabilities reduced by arrests
since 1985. During 1991, GRAPO claimed responsibility for
bombing a rail line outside Madrid and segments of the NATO
pipeline in Spain.
STRENGTH
Probably fewer than a dozen operatives.
LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION
Spain.
EXTERNAL AID
Reported to have had ties to the French Action Directe and
the Italian Red Brigades. The German RAF has sought ties to
the group.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*4> FORCE 17
DESCRIPTION
Formed in early 1970s as a personal security force for
Arafat and other PLO leaders.
ACTIVITIES
According to press sources, in 1985 expanded operations to
include terrorist attacks against Israeli targets. No
confirmed terrorist activity outside Israel and the occupied
territories since September 1985, when it claimed
responsibility for killing three Israelis in Cyprus, an
incident that was followed by Israeli air raids on PLO bases
in Tunisia.
STRENGTH
Unknown.
LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION
Based in Beirut before 1982. Since then, dispersed in
several Arab countries. Now operating in Lebanon, other
Middle Eastern countries, and Europe.
EXTERNAL AID
PLO is main source of support.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*5> ABU NIDAL ORGANIZATION (ANO)
AKA:
Fatah REvoloutionary Council, Arab Revolutionary Council,
Arab Revolutionary Brigades, Black September, Revolutionary
Organization of Socialist Muslims.
DESCRIPTION:
International terrorist organization led by Sabri alBanna.
Split from the PLO in 1974. Made up of various functional
committees, including political, military , and financial.
ACTIVITIES:
Has carried out over 90 terrorist attacks since 1974 in 20
countries, killing or injuring almost 900 people. Targets
the United States, the United Kingdom, France,
Isreal,moderate Palestinians, the PLO. and various Arab
countries, depending on which state is sponsoring it at the
time. Major attacks include 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 carrying out assasination on 14 January
1991 in Tunis of PLO deputy chief Abu Iyad and PLO security
chief Abu Hul. ANO members also attacked and seriously
wounded a senior ANO dissident in Algeria in MArch 1990
STRENGTH:
Several hundred plus "militia" in Lebanon and overseas
support structure.
LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION
Headquarted in Irag (1974-83) and Syria (1983-87); currently
headquarted in Libya with substantial presence in Lebanon
(in the Bekaa Valley and several Palestinian refugee camps
in coastal areas of Lebanon). Also has presence in Algeria.
Has demonstrated ability to operate over wide aream
including Middle East Asia and Europe.
EXTERNAL AID:
Has received considerable support, including safe haven,
training, logistical assistance, and financial aid from Irag
and Syria (until 1987); continues to receive aid from Libya,
in addition to close support for selected operations.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*6> PALESTINE LIBERATION FRONT (PLF)
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 the Executive Committee in 1991.
ACTIVITIES
Abu Abbas-led faction carried out abortive seaborne attack
staged from Libya against Israel on 30 May 1990. Abbas's
groups were also responsible for October 1985 attack 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. Others who were involved in the hijacking are
wanted elsewhere. Openly supported Iraq during Persian Gulf
war.
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 Libya and Iraq.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*7> AL-FATAH
AKA :
Al-'Asifa.
DESCRIPTION:
Headed by Yasser Arafat, Fatah joined the PLO in 1968 and
won the leadership role in 1969. Its commanders were
expelled from Jordan following violent confrontations with
Jordanian forces during the period 1970-71, beginning with
Black September in 1970. he Israeli invasion of Lebanon in
1982 led to the group's dispersal to several Middle Eastern
countries, including Tunisia, Yemen, Algeria, Iraq, and
others. Maintains several military and intelligence wings
that have carried out terrorist attacks, including Force 17
and the Hawari Special Operations Group. Two of its leaders,
Abu Jihad and Abu Iyad, were assassinated in recent years.
ACTIVITIES:
In the 60s and the 1970s, Fatah offered training to a wide
range of European, Middle Eastern, Asian, and African
terrorist and insurgent groups. Carried out numerous acts of
international terrorism in Western Europe and Middle East in
the early-to-mid-1970s.
STRENGTH:
6,000 to 8,000.
LOCATION / AREA OF OPERATION:
Headquartered in Tunisia, with bases in Lebanon and other
Middle Eastern countries.
EXTERNAL AID:
Has had close, longstanding political and financial ties to
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and other moderate Persian Gulf
states. These relations were disrupted by the Gulf crisis of
1990-91. Also has had links to Jordan. Received weapons,
explosives, and training from the former USSR and the former
Communist regimes of East European states. China and North
Korea have reportedly provided some weapons.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*8> ARMENIAN SECRET ARMY FOR THE LIBERATION OF ARMENIA
(ASALA)
AKA
The Orly Group, 3rd October Organization
DESCRIPTION:
Marxist-Leninist Armenian terrorist group formed in 1975 with
stated intention to compel Turkish Government to acknowledge
publicly its alleged responsibility for the deaths of 1.5 million
Armenians in 1915, pay reparations, and cede territory for an
Armenian homeland. Led by Hagop Hagopian until he was
assassinated in Athens in April 1988.
ACTIVITIES:
Initial bombing and assassination attacks directed against Turkish
targets. Later attacked French and Swiss targets to force release of
imprisoned comrades. Made several minor bombing attacks against
US airline offices in Western Europe in early 1980s. Bombing of
Turkish airline counter at Orly Airport in Paris in 1983
--eight killed and 55 wounded--led to split in group over rationale
for causing indiscriminate casualties. Suffering from internal
schisms, group has been relatively inactive over past four years,
although recently claimed an unsuccessful attack on Turkish
Ambassador to Hungary.
STRENGTH
A few hundred members and sympathizers.
LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION
Lebanon; Western Europe, Armenia, United States, and Middle East.
EXTERNAL AID
Has received aid, including training and safehaven, from Syria. May
also receive some aid from Libya. Has extensive ties to radical
Palestinian groups, including the PFLP and PFLP-GC.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*9> BASQUE FATHERLAND AND LIBERTY (ETA)
DESCRIPTION
Founded in 1959 with the aim of creating an independent
homeland in Spain's Basque region. Has muted commitment to
Marxism. In 1974 split into two factions--ETA/Political-
Military and ETA- Military; the former has been inactive
since limited home rule granted in 1982. Despite the arrest
of several leaders and terrorist cells in Spain and France
over the past two years, ETA-Military has continued to
conduct lethal attacks.
ACTIVITIES
Chiefly bombings and assassinations of Spanish Government
targets, especially security forces. Finances activities
through kidnappings, robberies, and extortion . Bombings
are sophisticated, lethal, and sometimes indiscriminate.
Over 40 people were killed
and over 200 injured in ETA attacks during 1991.
STRENGTH
Unknown; may have hundreds of members, plus supporters.
LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATIONS
Operates primarily in Spain and France, but conducted low-
intensity bombings against Spanish diplomatic, commercial,
and cultural facilities in Italy and Germany in 1991.
EXTERNAL AID
Has received training at various times in Libya, Lebanon,
and Nicaragua. Also has close ties to PIRA.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*10> CHUKAKU-HA (Nucleus or Middle-Core Faction)
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 mass protest demonstrations and snake-
dancing in streets; supports farmers' protest of
construction of Narita airport, among other causes;
sabotaged part of Japanese railroad system in 1985 and 1986;
sporadic attacks usually designed to cause only property
damage through use of crude rockets and incendiary devices;
anti-US attacks include small-scale rocket attempts against
US military and diplomatic targets; no US casualties so far.
STRENGTH
3,500.
LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION
Japan.
EXTERNAL AID
None known.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CNPZ (see Nestor Paz Zamora Commission)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*11> DEMOCRATIC FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE (DFLP)
DESCRIPTION
Marxist group that split from the PFLP in 1969. Believes
Palestinian national goals can be achieved only through
revolution of the masses. In early 1980s, occupied political
stance midway between Arafat and the more radical
rejectionists. Split into two factions in 1991, one pro-
Arafat and another more hardline faction headed by Nayif
Hawatmah.
ACTIVITIES
In the seventies, carried out numerous small bombings and
minor assaults and some more spectacular operations in
Israel and the occupied territories, concentrating on
Israeli targets such as the 1974 massacre in Ma'alot in
which 27 Israelis were killed and over 100 wounded. Involved
only in border raids since 1988.
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*12> DEVRIMCI SOL (aka: DEV SOL)
DESCRIPTION
Formed in 1978 as a splinter faction of the Turkish People's
Liberation Party/Front. Espouses a Marxist ideology,
intensely xenophobic, and virulently anti-US and anti-NATO;
seeks to unify the proletariat to stage a national
revolution. Finances its activities chiefly through armed
robberies and extortion.
ACTIVITIES
Conducted attacks against US, Turkish, and NATO targets
until weakened by massive arrests during 1981-83. Methods of
attack include handgun assassinations and bombings. Since
reemergence during late 1980s, has concentrated attacks
against current and
retired Turkish security and military officials; responsible
for the murders of four active and retired generals and
nearly 30 police officers in 1991. Resumed operations
against foreign interests during 1991, claiming
responsibility for assassinating two American contractors
and one British businessman; attempted the murder of a US
Air Force officer and over 30 bombings against Western
diplomatic, commercial, and cultural facilities.
STRENGTH
Several hundred members, several dozen armed militants.
LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION
Carries out attacks in Turkey--primarily in Istanbul,
Ankara, Izmir, and Adana . Conducts fundraising operations
in Western Europe.
EXTERNAL AID
Possible training support from radical Palestinians.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*13> REVOLUTIONARY ARMED FORCES OF COLOMBIA (FARC)
Description
Established in 1966 as military wing of Colombian Communist
Party; is largest guerrilla group there. Goal is to
overthrow government and ruling class; anti-US. Organized
along military lines, includes at least one urban front.
Activities
Armed attacks against Colombian targets, bombings of US
businesses, kidnappings of Colombians and foreigners for
ransom, and assassinations. Traffics in drugs and has well-
documented ties to drug traffickers. Peace talks with
Colombian Government have proved unsuccessful.
Strength
Approximately 4,500 to 5,500 armed combatants and 10,000
supporters.
Location/Area of Operation
Colombia.
External Aid
FARC has ties to Cuba; amount of aid unknown.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*14> FARABUNDO MARTI NATIONAL LIBERATION FRONT (FMLN)
DESCRIPTION
Formed in 1980 with Cuban backing, the guerrilla umbrella
organization is composed of five leftist groups: Central
American Workers' Revolutionary Party (PRTC), People's
Revolutionary Army (ERP), Farabundo Marti Popular Liberation
Forces (FPL), Armed Forces of National Resistance (FARN),
and the Communist Party of El Salvador's Armed Forces of
Liberation (FAL). The group reached a peace agreement with
the Government of El Salvador on 31 December 1991.
ACTIVITIES
Bombings, assassinations, economic sabotage, arson, among
other rural and urban operations. Since 1988 the FMLN
increased urban terrorism in the capital.
STRENGTH
6,000 to 7,000 combatants.
LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION
El Salvador, limited activity in Honduras.
EXTERNAL AID
Has received direct support from Cuba and receives support
from the Sandinistas in Nicaragua, where it maintains an
office. The FMLN also receives significant financial support
from front groups and sympathetic organizations in the
United States and Europe.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*15> HAWARI GROUP
aka: Fatah Special Operations Group, Martyrs of Tal Al
Za'atar, Amn Araissi
DESCRIPTION
Part of Yasser Arafat's Fatah apparatus, the group is named
after its leader commonly known as Colonel Hawari, who died
in an automobile crash in May 1991 while traveling from
Baghdad to Jordan. The group has ties historically to Iraq.
Membership includes former members of the radical
Palestinian 15 May organization.
ACTIVITIES
Carried out several attacks in 1985 and 1986, mainly in
Europe and usually against Syrian targets. Has also targeted
Americans, most notably in the April 1986 bombing of TWA
Flight 840 over Greece in which four Americans were killed.
Future of group uncertain following Hawari's death.
STRENGTH
Unknown.
LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION
Middle Eastern countries and Europe.
EXTERNAL AID
PLO is main source of support.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*16> HIZBALLAH (Party of God)
aka: Islamic Jihad, Revolutionary Justice Organization,
Organization of the Oppressed on Earth, 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. Dissidents, however, 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 on
the US Marine barracks in Beirut in October 1983 and the US
Embassy anex in September 1984. Elements of the group were
responsible for the kidnapping and continuing detention of
most, if not all, US and other
Western hostages in Lebanon.
STRENGTH
Several thousand.
LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION
Operates in the Bekaa Valley, the southern suburbs of
Beirut, and southern Lebanon; has established cells in
Western Europe, Africa, and elsewhere.
EXTERNAL AID
Receives substantial amounts of financial, training,
weapons, explosives, political, diplomatic, and
organizational aid from Iran.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*17> JAPANESE RED ARMY (JRA)
aka: Anti-Imperialist International Brigade (AIIB)
DESCRIPTION
An international terrorist group formed about 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 Bekka 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); may also have links to Antiwar
Democratic Front--an overt leftist political organization--
inside Japan. Details released following November 1987
arrest of leader Osamu Maruoka indicate that JRA may be
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
Before 1977, JRA carried out series of brutal attacks over
wide geographical area, including the massacre of passengers
at Lod airport in Israel (1972) and two Japanese airliner
hijackings (1973 and 1977). Anti-US attacks include
attempted takeover of US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur (1975).
Since mid-1980s has carried out several crude rocket and
mortar attacks against a number of US embassies. 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.
STRENGTH
About 30 hardcore members; undetermined number of
sympathizers.
LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION
Based in Syrian-controlled areas of Lebanon; often transits
Damascus.
EXTERNAL AID
Receives aid, including training and base camp facilities,
from radical Palestinian terrorists, especially the PFLP.
May also receive aid from Libya. Suspected of having
sympathizers and support apparatus in Japan.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*18> KURDISH WORKER'S PARTY (PKK)
aka: Kurdish Labor Party
DESCRIPTION
Marxist-Leninist terrorist group composed of Turkish Kurds
established in mid-1970s. Seeks to set up Marxist state in
southeastern Turkey, which has a large population of Kurds.
ACTIVITIES
Primary targets are Turkish Government forces and civilians
in southeastern Turkey, but is becoming increasingly active
in Western Europe against Turkish targets and rival Kurdish
groups. In 1986,attacked NATO target in Mardin, Turkey. Last
summer the PKK carried out a spate of kidnappings of
Westerners; all were released unharmed.
STRENGTH
3,000, plus 2,000 to 5,000 supporters.
LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATIONS
Iran, Syria, and Iraq. Operates in Turkey and Western
Europe; training facilities in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley.
EXTERNAL AID
Probably still receives some aid and safehaven from Syria,
Iran, and Iraq.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*19> EMANUEL RODRIGUEZ PATRIOTIC FRONT (FPMR)
DESCRIPTION
The FPMR was founded in 1983 as the armed wing of the
Chilean Communist Party. Named for a hero in Chile's war of
independence against Spain. The main movement announced it
was laying down arms to become a political movement on 1
June 1991. The group splintered in 1987 into two factions,
of which the dissident wing (FPMR/D) is now one of Chile's
most active terrorist groups.
ACTIVITIES
FPMR/D is responsible for numerous bombing attacks against
domestic and foreign targets and assassinations of Chileans.
Responsible for many attacks on Mormon churches and US
businesses from 1986 through 1991. In November 1990 an
FPMR/D bomb concealed in a softball bat killed a Canadian
and injured a US Embassy officer . The group attacked a
Marine guard van at the US Embassy on 16 February with an
antitank rocket that did not detonate and automatic weapons
fire, injuring one US Marine.
STRENGTH
1,000 to 1,500.
LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION
Chile.
EXTERNAL AID
Received training and weapons support from Cuba in past
years, none in 1991. May cross-train with Peru's MRTA.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MJL (see Lautaro Youth Movement)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*20> MORAZANIST PATRIOTIC FRONT (FPM)
DESCRIPTION
A radical, leftist terrorist group that first appeared in
the late 1980s. Attacks made in protest of 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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*21> LAUTARO YOUTH MOVEMENT (MJL)
aka: The Lautaro faction of the United Popular Action
Movement (MAPU/L)
or Lautaro Popular Rebel Forces (FRPL)
DESCRIPTION
Violent, anti-US, extremist group that advocates the
overthrow of the Chilean Government. Leadership largely from
leftist elements, but includes criminals and alienated
youths. Recruits from poorer areas of cities. The leftist
group became active in late 1980s. Its assaults during 1990
increased in number and sophistication and have continued
through 1991.
ACTIVITIES
Has been linked to several assassinations of policemen, bank
robberies, and bombings and burnings of Mormon chapels.
STRENGTH
Unknown.
LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION
Chile; mainly in Santiago.
EXTERNAL AID
May have ties to Cuba.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*22> MOZAMBICAN NATIONAL RESISTANCE (Resistencia Nacional
Mocambicana, or RENAMO)
DESCRIPTION
Established in 1976 by the Rhodesian security services,
primarily to operate against anti-Rhodesian guerrillas based
in Mozambique. South Africa subsequently developed RENAMO
into an insurgent group opposing the Front for the
Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO).
ACTIVITIES
Operates as a guerrilla insurgency against Mozambique
Government and civilian targets; frequently and increasingly
runs cross-border operations into Zimbabwe, Malawi, and
Zambia, where it has murdered and kidnapped numerous
civilians and destroyed property.
STRENGTH
20,000 guerrillas.
LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION
Mozambique; border areas of Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia.
EXTERNAL AID Assistance previously received from South
Africa as well as from private Individuals and groups in
Europe and elsewhere.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
MRTA (see Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*23> NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY (ELM)--Bolivia
DESCRIPTION
Claims to be revived ELN that was established by Che Guevara
in the 60s and was active into the early 70s. Holds
traditional Marxist-Leninist revolutionary ideologies.
Operates as an umbrella group over numerous small Bolivian
subversive movements that includes the CNPZ.
ACTIVITIES
During 1991 focused on domestic Bolivian targets. See Nestor
Paz Zamora Commissi on (CNPZ) for further information on ELN
activities. Threats against US interests continued through
1991. Probably responsible for fake bomb placed in US
Embassy elevator in April 1991.
STRENGTH
Unknown.
LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION
Bolivia.
EXTERNAL AID
May receive training, logistic, and other limited support
from Peru's MRTA.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*24> NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMY (ELN)--Colombia
DESCRIPTION
Rural-based, anti-US, Maoist-Marxist-Leninist guerrilla
group formed in 1963. Engaged in unsuccessful peace talks
with the Government of Colombia during 1991.
ACTIVITIES
Periodically kidnaps foreign employees of large corporations
and holds them for very large ransom payments. Extortion and
bombing attacks against US and other foreign businesses in
Colombia, particularly the petroleum industry. Has
inflicted major damage on oil pipelines since 1986.
STRENGTH
1,000 to 2,000.
LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION
Colombia.
EXTERNAL AID
In the past received limited arms and training from Cuba and
training from Nicaragua.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*25> NESTOR PAZ ZAMORA COMMISSION (CNPZ)
Discription
Radical leftist terrorist organization that first appeared
in October 1990. Named after deceased brother of President
Paz Zamora. Currently operates under the ELN (Bolivia)
umbrella. Violent, extremely anti-US, Marxist-Leninist
organization.
ACTIVITIES
The group attacked the US Embassy Marine guardhouse on 10
October 1990 with automatic weapons and a bomb. One Bolivian
policeman was killed and another seriously injured in the
attack.
STRENGTH
Unknown. Probably fewer than 100.
LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION
Bolivia.
EXTERNAL AID
Peru's MRTA has provided training, limited funding, and
logistic support.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*26> NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY (NPA)
DESCRIPTION
The guerrilla arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines,
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 revolutionary taxes extorted
from local business.
ACTIVITIES
In addition to guerrilla activities, has used urban
terrorism,including attacks on government officials, police,
and military officers in Manila and other majo r cities.
Has vowed to kill US citizens who allegedly are involved in
the government's counterinsurgency campaign. The NPA has
killed 10 US military members and private American citizens
in the Philippines since 1987. Attacked some US businesses
located in rural areas who refused to pay so-called
revolutionary taxes.
STRENGTH
16,000, plus support groups.
LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION
The Philippines.
EXTERNAL AID
Receives funding from overseas fundraisers in Western Europe
and elsewhere; also linked to Libya. Diverts some funding of
humanitarian aid.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*27> POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE-GENERAL
COMMAND (PFLP-GC)
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 Jabril, a former
captain in the Syrian Army. Closely allied with, supported
by, and probably directed by Syria.
ACTIVITIES
Claims to have specialized in suicide operations. Has
carried out numerous cross-border terrorist attacks into
Israel, using unusual means, such as hot-air balloons and
motorized hang gliders. Hafiz Kassem Dalkamoni, a ranking
PFLP-GC official, was convicted in Germany in June 1991 for
bombing US troop trains. He faces additional charges in
Germany for other terrorist offenses, including
manslaughter.
STRENGTH
Several hundred.
LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION
Headquarters in Damascus with 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.
Support also from Iran.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*28> PALESTINIAN ISLAMIC JIHAD (PIJ)
DESCRIPTION
The PIJ originated among militant Palestinian
fundamentalists in the Gaza Strip during the 1970s. The PIJ
may be 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
The PIJ demonstrated its terrorist credentials when it
attacked a tour bus in Egypt in February 1990 and killed 11
people, including nine Israelis. The PIJ also has carried
out cross-border raids against Israeli targets in the West
Bank and Gaza Strip. A PIJ leader in Jordan has publicly
threatened to attack US interests. PIJ agents were arrested
in Egypt in September 1991 while attempting to enter the
country to conduct terrorism.
STRENGTH
Unknown.
LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATIONS
Primarily Israel and occupied territories and other parts of
the Middle East, including Jordan and Lebanon.
EXTERNAL AID
Uncertain, possibly Iran and Syria.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*29> POPULAR FRONT FOR THE LIBERATION OF PALESTINE SPECIAL
COMMAND (PFLP-SC)
DESCRIPTION
Marxist-Leninist group formed by Abu Salim in 1979 after
breaking away from the now-defunct PFLP-Special Operations
Group.
ACTIVITIES
Has claimed responsibility for several notorious
international terrorist attacks in Western Europe, including
the bombing of a restaurant frequented by US servicemen in
Torrejon, spain, in April 1985. Eighteen Spanish civilians
were killed in the attack.
STRENGTH
50.
LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION
Operates out of southern Lebanon, in various areas of the
Middle East, and in Western Europe.
EXTERNAL AID
Probably receives financial and military support from Syria,
Libya, and Iraq.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*30> PALESTINE LIBERATION ORGANIZATION (PLO)
DESCRIPTION
Founded in 1964 as a Palestinian nationalist umbrella
organization dedicated to the establishment of an
independent Palestinian state. After the 1967 Arab-Israeli
war, control devolved to the leadership of the various
fedayeen militia groups, the most dominant of which was
Yasser Arafat's Al-Fatah. In 1969, Arafat became chairman of
the PLO's Executive Committee, a position he still holds. In
the early 1980s, PLO became fragmented into several
contending groups but remains the preeminent Palestinian
organization. The United States considers the PLO an
umbrella organization that includes
several constituent groups and individuals holding differing
views on terrorism. At the same time, US policy accepts that
elements of the PLO have advocated, carried out, or accepted
responsibility for acts of terrorism. PLO Chairman Arafat
publicly renounced terrorism in December 1988 on behalf of
the PLO. The United States considers that all PLO groups,
including Al-Fatah, Force 17, Hawari Group, PLF, and PFLP,
are bound by Arafat's renunciation of terrorism. The US-PLO
dialogue was suspended after the PLO failed to condemn the
30 May 1990 PLF attack on Israeli beaches. PLF head Abu
Abbas left the PLO Executive Committee in September 1991;
his seat was filled by another PLF member.
ACTIVITIES
In the early 1970s, several groups affiliated with the PLO
carried out numerous international terrorist attacks. By the
mid-1970s, under international pressure, the PLO claimed it
would restrict attacks were later carried out by groups
affiliated with the PLO/Fatah, including the Hawari Group,
the Palestine Liberation Front, and Force 17, against
targets inside and outside of Israel.
STRENGTH
See numbers for affiliated groups.
LOCATION/AREA OF OPERATION
Tunis, other bases in various countries in the Middle East.
EXTERNAL AID
See affiliated groups. Accurate public information on
financial support for the PLO by Arab governments is
difficult to obtain.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*31> POPULAR STRUGGLE FRONT (PSF)
Description
Radical Palestinian terrorist group once closely involved in
the Syrian-dominated Palestinian National Salvation Front.
Led by Dr. Samir Ghosheh. Rejoined the PLO in September
1991.
Activities
Terrorist attacks against Israeli, moderate Arab, and PLO
targets.
Strength
Fewer than 300.
Location/Area of Operation
Mainly Syria and Lebanon, and elsewhere in the Middle East.
External Aid
Receives support from Syria and may now receive aid from the
PLO.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*32> RED ARMY FACTION (RAF)
Description
The small and disciplined RAF is the successor to the Baader
Meinhof Gang, which originated in the student protest
movement in the 1960s. Ideology is an obscure mix of Marxism
and Maoism; committed to armed struggle. Organized into
hardcore cadres that carry out terrorist attacks and a
network of supporters who provide logistic and propaganda
support. Has survived despite numerous arrests of top
leaders over the years.
Activities
Bombings, assassinations, kidnappings, and robberies.
Targets German Government and private sector and US
interests. Among the latter, attempted assassination in
Belgium of NATO Commander (1979); bombing of NATO Air Force
headquarters in Ramstein (1981); rocket attack of USAREUR
Commander in Heidelberg (1981); and bombing of Rhein-Main
Air Force Base (1985). In February 1991, the RAF fired
approximately 250 assault rifle rounds at the US Embassy in
Bonn, and in April the group assassinated the German Trust
Agency director, Detlev Karsten Rohwedder.
Strength
Ten to 20, plus several hundred supporters.
Location/Area of Operations
Germany.
External Aid
Basically self-sustaining, but during Baader-Meinhof period
received some support from Middle Eastern terrorist groups;
some ties may still exist. The RAF received logistic
support, sanctuary, and training from the German Democratic
Republic during the early 1980s. The RAF appears to be
developing closer ties to GRAPO in Spain.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*33> REVOLUTIONARY PEOPLE'S STRUGGLE (ELA)
Description
Formed in 1971 to oppose the Greek military junta; is a self
described leftwing revolutionary, anticapitalist, anti-
imperialist group. Organization is unclear, but probably
consists of a loose coalition of several very small and
violent groups or affiliates, possibly including 17
November.
Activities
Before 1974, was nonviolent; turned to terrorism after
removal of junta. Has targeted US military and business
facilities and, since 1986, stepped up attacks on Greek
Government and commercial interests; primary method has been
bombings of buildings, apparently without intent to endanger
life. Safehouse raid in November 1990 revealed weapons cache
and direct contacts with 1 May and Revolutionary Solidarity;
during 1991, ELA and 1 May claimed joint responsibility for
over 20 bombings.
Strength
Unknown, perhaps up to 20 or 30, plus supporters.
Location/Area of Operation
Greece.
External Aid
No known foreign sponsors.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*34> SENDERO LUMINOSO (Shining Path, SL)
Description
Peru's largest subversive organization is among the world's
most dangerous and ruthless terrorist groups. Formed in late
1960s by then university professor Abimael Guzman Reynoso.
Goal is to destroy existing Peruvian institutions and
replace them with a peasant revolutionary regime as well as
to rid Peru of foreign influences. Has extensive ties to
narcoproducers and narcotraffickers working in Peru.
Activities
Killed 10 foreigners in 1991. Engages in particularly brutal
forms of terrorism. Originally rural based, but has
increasingly operated in urban areas since 1986 . Has
attacked diplomatic missions of nearly every country
represented in Peru, foreign businesses, foreign and
domestic humanitarian aid projects, in addition to Peruvian
Government and private-sector targets.
Strength
4,000 to 5,000 combatants. Strong rural support base.
Location/Area of Operation
Peru.
External Aid
No known foreign sponsors. Receives money from drug trade,
including Colombian narcotics traffickers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*35> TERRA LLIURE (TL) (Free Land)
Description
Leftwing Catalonian separatist terrorist group formed in the
1970s with the goal of establishing an independent Marxist state
in the Spanish Provinces of Catalonia and Valencia. Leadership
announced in July 1991 that the group had ceased terrorist
operations, but hardcore members may remain active.
Activities
Mainly small-scale bombing attacks against property in
northeastern Spain. Targets include foreign banks and travel
agencies. Reportedly renounced terrorism in July 1991.
Strength
Unknown.
Location/Area of Operation
Spain.
External Aid
None known.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*36> TUPAC AMARU REVOLUTIONARY MOVEMENT (MRTA)
Description
Traditional Marxist-Leninist revolutionary movement in Peru
formed in 1983. Led by Nestor Serpa and Victor Polay. Objective
is to rid Peru--and perhaps region--of "imperialist" influence
and establish a Marxist regime.
Activities
Responsible for more anti-US attacks than any other group in
Latin America. In 1990 and 1991, attacked the US Ambassador's
residence, bombed the US Consulate and US-Peruvian Binational
Center, attacked US businesses and Mormon churches. Attacked
Peru's Presidential Palace, and President Fujimori's airplane in
1991.
Strength
1,000 to 2,000 combatants.
Location/Area of Operation
Peru. Bolivia in conjunction with the ELN.
External Aid
Has received training in Cuba. May have ties to Libya.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*37> PROVISIONAL IRISH REPUBLICAN ARMY (PIRA)
aka: The Provos
Description
A radical terrorist group formed in 1969 as the clandestine
armed wing of Sinn Fein, a legal political movement dedicated to
removing British forces from Northern Ireland and then to unify
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.
Targets government and private-sector interests--including
senior British officials and British military targets in Western
Europe-and Northern Irish Protestant paramilitary organizations.
Has become increasingly indiscriminate in its spectacular
bombing attacks. PIRA has stepped up operations on mainland
Britain over the past two years, conducting over 20 attacks
there during 1991. In February, a mortar attack against No. 10
Downing Street was launched while Prime Minister Major and
senior members of his Cabinet were meeting. Bombing at two busy
railway stations in central London resulted in the death of one
civilian and injury to dozens more. In December, PIRA exploded
a 2,000-pound bomb outside a police station in Northern Ireland,
injuring over 60 civilians, and launched a wave of bomb attacks
against rail lines and shopping centers on the British mainland.
Strength
Several hundred, plus several thousand sympathizers.
Location/Area of Operation
Northern Ireland, Irish Republic, Great Britain, and Western
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. Maintains links to ETA.