Greece
Greece was the venue for a large number of international terrorist
attacks in 1994. The most deadly attack was the 4 July assassination of
the acting Deputy Chief of Mission of the Turkish Embassy, claimed by
the Revolutionary Organization 17 November. Events in the Balkans
probably sparked a number of other attacks against Western interests in
Greece in April, including an unsuccessful mortar attack against the
British aircraft carrier Ark Royal in Piraeus claimed by 17 November.
Attacks also were made against American, Dutch, French, and German
commercial and diplomatic targets. The Revolutionary People's Struggle
(ELA) claimed two bombing attempts against the office of the UN High
Commissioner for Refugee Affairs.
In July, three improvised bombs exploded on the Island of Rhodes,
injuring one foreign tourist and a Greek citizen. No group has claimed
responsibility.
Greek authorities made little progress in 1994 against terrorist groups,
in part due to ambivalent government attitudes toward counterterrorism.
Greece still lacks a new antiterrorism law to replace legislation
repealed in December 1993 by the incoming PASOK government. In addition,
suspected terrorist Georgios Balafas was acquitted on 25 July of murder,
armed robbery, and other charges. He still faces trial in two other
caseswweapons and narcotics chargeswbut was released in September on
"humanitarian" grounds after a reported hunger strike. While in the
prison hospital, he was visited by the then Minister of Transportation
and Communications as a "gesture of support."
Italy
Leftwing groups modeled on the largely defunct Red Brigades carried out
several small-scale attacks, including the bombing of the NATO Defense
College in Rome on 10 January. The attack was claimed by the Combatant
Communist Nuclei for the Construction of the Combatant Communist Party.
In September, four members of the Red Brigades for the Construction of
the Communist Combatant Party, another neovRed Brigades group, were
convicted of involvement in the attack on the NATO base in Aviano in
September 1993.
Russia
Separatist and internal power struggles, particularly in the North
Caucasus region of Russia, continued to spawn domestic violence and
terrorism. In July, four gunmen from the separatist Chechnya region
hijacked a bus carrying more than 40 passengers. The incident ended
tragically when four hostages were killed as Russian police stormed the
hijackers' getaway helicopter. There were also a number of airplane
hijackings, including one in the Chechnya region in which the hijacker
blew himself up after releasing several passengers and watching the
others escape.
Spain
Spanish authorities scored several successes against the separatist
group Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA), including the disruption of
the "Comando Vizcaya" subunit in November. One ETA member was killed and
two arrested after a failed assassination attempt against a Spanish
soldier. Continuing close cooperation between Spanish and French police
resulted in a September raid on an ETA explosives factory in France and
the arrest of five ETA members in November, including the group's
number-two figure.
ETA carried out one act of international terrorism in 1994 with the
attempted assassination of the Spanish military attache in Rome.
Domestic attacks by ETA fell off at the end of the year, but the group
retains its lethal capabilities.
Turkey
International terrorism has become an important part of the Kurdistan
Workers' Party (PKK) campaign to establish a breakaway state in
southeast Turkey and presents a potentially serious threat to US
interests. PKK attacks against tourists in Turkey last year were
particularly violent, although the overall number of terrorist attacks
was significantly lower than in 1993. Three attacks on tourist sites in
Istanbul in May killed two foreign touristswthe first to be killed by
the PKKwand injured several others. In June, the PKK was also
responsible for several small bombs that exploded in two Turkish resort
towns on the Mediterranean coast, killing a British woman and injuring
at least 10 other tourists. In the latest in a series of kidnappings of
foreign travelers, the PKK abducted two Finnish tourists on 8 August and
released them unharmed three weeks later. The PKK also attacked
government and commercial targets in major Turkish cities, presenting an
incidental risk to foreign visitors, as well as Turks. PKK terrorist
attacks on Turkish citizens, including ethnic Kurds, continued unabated.
The PKK continued to expand its activities in Western Europe, where its
members clashed with police frequently throughout the year. For the
first time, the PKK also directly targeted Western interests in Europe.
It blocked highways in Germany with burning tires in March and conducted
demonstrations in a number of German cities, some of which turned into
violent confrontations with the police. After German police killed a
Kurdish youth in Hannover, the PKK organized protests and sit-ins at the
German Embassy in Athens and a German Consulate in Denmark. The PKK also
mounted demonstrations in several West European countries after British
immigration authorities detained Kani Yilmaz, the senior PKK leader in
Europe, in October. The PKK also opened offices of its political wing
(ERNK) in Italy and Greece.
The Marxist/Leninist terrorist group Dev Sol (Devrimci Sol), or
Revolutionary Left, remained a threat to US interests and personnel in
Turkey, despite a series of setbacks the group has suffered over the
last two years. Dev Sol's two factions were largely inactive last year
as they continued to battle each other and as the Turkish police
arrested numerous operatives. Some members of the group sprang into
action after French authorities arrested Dursun Karatas, the head of the
major Dev Sol faction, on 9 September as he tried to enter France from
Italy on falsified documents. Over the next several weeks, Dev Sol
supporters protested in Austria, Belgium, and the Netherlands demanding
Karatas' release. Dev Sol operatives in Turkey assassinated former
Justice Minister Mehmet Topac on 29 September in Ankara and also killed
a policeman in Istanbul.
Several groups of loosely organized Turkish Islamic extremists, who
advocate an Islamic government for Turkey, attacked targets associated
with the Turkish secular state. They claimed attacks under a variety of
names, such as Islamic Jihad, the Islamic Movement Organization, and the
Islamic Great Eastern Raiders Front. The Islamic extremists also pursue
a strong anti-Western agenda. In May 1994, Islamic terrorists claimed
responsibility for bombing the Ankara branch of the Freemason
organization. In September, a Turkish political scientist known for his
secular writings escaped death when a car bomb planted by Islamic
extremists failed to explode.
United Kingdom
The Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) announced a "complete
cessation of military operations" beginning on 1 September. Other
Republican splinter groups in Northern Ireland also ceased attacks after
that date, although most have not formally agreed to a cease-fire.
PIRA's leadership denied authorizing the use of firearms in a robbery on
10 November carried out by a lower-level unit in Newry that resulted in
the death of a postal worker. The Combined Military Loyalist Command, an
umbrella group comprising three loyalist paramilitary groups, announced
its own cease-fire beginning 14 October.
Both Loyalists and Republicans carried out a number of international and
domestic terrorist attacks before the cease-fire. Loyalists carried out
several attacks in the Republic of Ireland, including a lethal attack in
May on a Dublin pub during a Sinn Fein fundraiser. In March three
separate attacks by PIRA on Heathrow International Airport in London
failed when the mortar rounds used did not detonate.
On 26 October, British authorities arrested Faysal Dunlayici, a.k.a.
Kani Yilmaz, a high-ranking leader of the PKK based in Europe. The
arrest sparked protests from PKK supporters in the United Kingdom, and
Germany and Turkey have requested his extradition.
On 26 July, a bomb contained in a car exploded outside the Israeli
Chancery in London at approximately noon causing substantial structural
damage and injuring 14 persons. The car carrying the explosives was
driven by a woman described as in her fifties and "Middle Eastern" in
appearance. On 27 July, shortly after midnight, another bomb contained
in a car exploded in north London outside Balfour House, a Jewish
fundraising organization. This bomb caused some structural damage to the
building but resulted in limited casualties, primarily because of the
time it was detonated. Five passers-by were injured by the blast.
Former Yugoslavia
Ethnic conflict and endemic violence plagued the former Yugoslavia for a
third year, although in 1994 the fighting was largely restricted to
Bosnia and Herzegovina. Meanwhile, a Bosnian Muslim, claiming that he
wanted to focus world attention on the plight of his kinsmen, hijacked
an SAS airliner during a domestic flight in Norway on 3 November. He
surrendered peacefully to Norwegian authorities after landing in Oslo.
This was the first such incident on behalf of one of the warring
factions of the former Yugoslavia.
Latin American Overview
Latin America continued to have a high level of international terrorist
activity, although the number of attacks decreased by 40 percent from
the previous year to 58 attacks.
In July, an attack on the Argentine-Israeli Mutual Association (AMIA) in
Buenos Aires killed nearly 100 persons and injured more than 200. The
leading suspect in this incident is Hizballah. Twenty-one persons, of
whom 12 were Jewish, were killed when a Panamanian commuter aircraft was
bombed in July, apparently by a suicide bomber. These attacks raised
concerns about the reported presence of members of Hizballah in Latin
America, especially in the triborder area where Brazilian, Argentine,
and Paraguayan territories meet.
Colombia continued to suffer the highest incidence of terrorist violence
in the region. Guerrillas attacked the democratic process by attempting
to sabotage Colombia's 1994 presidential, congressional, and
departmental elections. Rebel organizations also targeted petroleum
companies and infiltrated trade unions, particularly in the banana and
petroleum industries, intimidating rank-and-file union members. US
business interests and Mormon missionaries were attacked by guerrillas,
and nine US citizens were being held hostage by guerrillas at the end of
the year. Six of these were US missionaries. Kidnapping continued as a
major source of income for the Colombian guerrillas.
Guerrillas in the region continued to attack national interests causing
damage to local economies particularly in Colombia, Peru, and Guatemala.
In the Andean Region, the connection between guerrilla groups and narco-
traffickers remained strong. Guerrillas forced coca and amapola
cultivators to pay protection money and attacked government efforts to
reduce production.
Terrorist violence decreased in Peru during the year. The Sendero
Luminoso (Shining Path) assassinated 150 persons, down from 516 the
previous year when its leader was imprisoned. Various Peruvian terrorist
groups suffered setbacks due to arrests, casualties, and defections
under the government's amnesty program. Government actions in Chile also
resulted in a decline of terrorist violence.
In reaction to the terrorist violence in the region, the heads of state
of the Western Hemisphere nations adopted a plan of action against
terrorism at the December Summit of the Americas. The plan called for
cooperation among nations in combating terrorism and for the prosecution
of terrorists while protecting human rights. The nations of the
hemisphere also agreed to convene a special OAS conference on the
prevention of terrorism and reaffirmed the importance of extradition
treaties in combating terrorism.
Argentina
Argentina suffered the worst terrorist attack perpetrated in Latin
America during 1994. On 18 July, a suicide bomber detonated a vehicle
loaded with explosives in front of the AMIA. The powerful bombing killed
nearly 100 people, many of whom were crushed by the collapsing building.
The bombing of Argentina's main Jewish center was operationally similar
to the 1992 bombing directed against the Israeli Embassy in Buenos
Aires, which left 29 persons dead and destroyed the building. The
Islamic Jihad organization, an arm of the Lebanese Hizballah, claimed
responsibility for the 1992 bombing. According to media reports, an
organization using the name Ansar Allah, or Followers of God, issued a
statement expressing support for the 1994 operation. The Argentine
Government dedicated substantial resources to investigate the bombing,
but the crime remained unsolved at yearend.
Chile
Politically motivated violence in Chile declined dramatically in 1994 as
Chilean security forces reined in the nation's terrorist groups. In
June, the government all but eliminated the Lautaro terrorist
organization by capturing its founder and leader, Guillermo Ossandon,
one of the most wanted outlaws in Chile. A second round of arrests was
made against second-tier Lautaro leaders in August. Two prominent
members of the Manuel Rodriguez Patriotic Front (FPMR) voluntarily
returned from exile to Chile and were arrested by police. One of them,
Sergio Buschmanwwanted for his role in directing a multiton shipment of
Cuban-supplied weapons into Chile in 1986whad escaped from a Chilean
prison in 1987 and lived several years in Nicaragua.
Colombia
Colombia's two main guerrilla groupswthe Revolutionary Armed Forces of
Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN)wintensified
political violence during 1994, particularly preceding presidential,
congressional, and municipal elections. In part to intimidate
politicians and government officials, the insurgents conducted dozens of
bombings, kidnappings of candidates, and assassinations of local
officials and members of the security forces. In July, the FARC
assassinated an Army general, the highest ranking Army casualty in two
decades.
While the vast majority of the violence in the nation was directed
against local targets, Colombia was the location of 41 international
terrorist attacks in 1994, the highest in the region. Oil pipelines
owned jointly by the Government of Colombia and Western companies
continued to be bombed by the rebels, but at a slower pace than in 1993.
US interests sustained several terrorist attacks during the year, more
than in any other Latin American country. For instance, suspected ELN
rebels bombed a Coca-Cola plant in January, and FARC and ELN guerrillas
attacked at least five Mormon churches during the year. The rebels also
conducted a series of kidnappings of US citizens; the FARC is suspected
of kidnapping at least five US citizens in 1994. At yearend, both rebel
groups held hostage as many as nine Americans, six of whom are US
missionaries. This appears to be the largest number of Americans held in
Colombia at any one time.
In 1994 there were 1,378 reported kidnappings, a 35-percent increase
from 1993. This figure, however, is considered low because many families
deal with the kidnappers directly without reporting the crime. It is
estimated that 50 percent of these recorded instances were by guerrillas
who rely on the ransom payments to finance their activities.
In November, after only a few months in office, President Ernesto Samper
announced his administration's willingness to negotiate with the
nation's violent guerrilla organizations, emphasizing that the
insurgents need to demonstrate a genuine desire for reaching a
negotiated settlement. Unlike his predecessor, the President did not
condition negotiations on a rebel cease-fire. While both the FARC and
ELN have characterized the government's proposal as positive, government
officials cautioned against expectations that negotiations would begin
soon.
The government is also exposing further links between the guerrillas and
narcotraffickers. Various guerrilla fronts, particularly in southeastern
Colombia, provide security and other services for different narcotics
trafficking organizations.
Ecuador
The only significant act of domestic terrorism in 1994 was the
dynamiting of a power transmission tower in May by a group known as the
Red Sun, which led to the rapid apprehension of the group's leadership.
The group was disbanded following the arrest of its leaders.
[INSET]
HAMAS Attacks
Operations by the Islamic Resistance Movement (HAMAS) against Israelis
in the occupied territories and inside Israel have increased in number
and lethality. While most of these incidents, which are aimed at the
peace process, do not qualify as "international terrorism" and as such
do not appear in the statistics in the appendix of this book, they are a
very disturbing trend.
HAMAS attacks killed 55 Israelis and wounded more than 130 in 1994,
resulting in the highest number of Israeli casualties inside Israel
since the intifadah began in 1987:
-- Car bomb attacks in April on commuter buses in Afula and a bus
station in Hadera killed 14 and wounded approximately 75. A bomb on a
commuter bus in downtown Tel Aviv in October during the early morning
commuter hours killed 22 and wounded at least 48, and a 25 December bomb
attack on an Israeli Defense Force (IDF) bus in Jerusalem wounded 12.
-- HAMAS militants conducted other high-profile attacks that did not
involve bombs: a shooting on a busy tourist street in Jerusalemwa few
blocks from the King David Hotel where Secretary of State Warren
Christopher was stayingwthat killed two and wounded 14, and the
kidnapping of IDF Corporal Nachshon Wachsman on the same day. After
intense security sweeps by the Israelis and the Palestinian Authority,
the kidnappers' hideout was eventually discovered and a rescue attempted
on 14 October. During the attempt, Wachsman, another IDF soldier, and
three HAMAS personnel were killed. Wachsman held dual US-Israeli
citizenship.
-- The Movement kept up a steady drumbeat of small-scale attacks during
1994. According to press reports, HAMAS members killed at least 13 IDF
soldiers and settlers in small-scale knife attacks, shootings, and at
least one ax murder of a female IDF soldier.
HAMAS attacks would have killed even more Israelis during the past year,
but several miscarried. According to press reports, at least two HAMAS
car bombs exploded prematurely, killing only the bombers. In the 25
December attack, the IDF's bus driver in Jerusalem did not allow the
bomber to enter the bus. The bomber detonated the device on the street,
killing himself but no passengers, although 12 were injured.
[END INSET] (###)
Guatemala
Despite on-again/off-again peace talks, Guatemala's34-year-old
insurgency continues. There are three major armed guerrilla groupswthe
FAR (Revolutionary Armed Forces), the ORPA (Revolutionary Organization
of the People in Arms), and the EGP (Guerrilla Army of the Poor). These
groups, along with the Communist PGT (Guatemalan Workers' Party), are
allied in the URNG (Guatemalan National Revolutionary Union).
Panama
On 19 July a bomb aboard a commuter plane flying between Colon and
Panama City detonated, killing all 21 persons aboard, including three
American citizens. Twelve of the passengers were Jews. According to
media reports, an organization using the name Ansar Allah, or Followers
of God, issued a statement expressing support for the bombing, which
appeared to be a suicide operation by a person with a Middle Eastern
name. Panama has made no arrests in connection with the bombing, but it
is cooperating closely with a US law enforcement investigation.
At yearend, Panamanian authorities had outstanding arrest warrants for
two of the three individuals sought for questioning in connection with
the 1992 murder of US Army Corporal Zak Hernandez. On 23 September,
Panamanian President Ernesto Perez Balladares granted amnesties to 216
individuals, including six former Panamanian Defense Force personnel
linked to the 1989 kidnapping, torture, and murder of American citizen
Raymond Dragseth during Operation Just Cause.
Peru
Political violence and the number of international terrorist incidents
in Peru declined in 1994. Both of Peru's terrorist organizationswSendero
Luminoso (Shining Path) and the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement
(MRTA)wsuffered serious reversals during the year, including numerous
arrests, casualties, and defections under the government's amnesty
program for terrorists, which was phased out in November. The MRTA, the
smaller of the two groups, was hit hard by the government's
counterterrorism effort and is virtually defunct.
Two years after the capture of Abimael Guzman, Sendero Luminoso's
founder and leader, the Maoist terrorist group is struggling, attempting
to rebuild and resolve its leadership problems. Guzman's 1993 peace
offer continued to divide the organization between Sendero militants in
favor of continuing the armed struggle and those preferring to adhere to
their jailed leader's proposal. Consequently, recruitment of new cadres
has been hindered. Moreover, during the past two years Sendero's
financial lifelinewthe narcotics industry in the coca-rich Upper
Huallaga Valley (UHV)wwas disrupted, largely because of a coca plant
fungus in UHV and a more active government counternarcotics policy.
The Fujimori government continued to maintain its momentum against
Sendero in 1994. Peruvian police detained two Sendero Central Committee
members operating in Lima, weakening the group's urban infrastructure
and a planned terrorism campaign to commemorate a revered Sendero
anniversary in June. The arrests further exacerbated logistic and
financial problems in the organization. One of the detainees, Moises
Limaco, was one of the most senior Sendero leaders reportedly
responsible for coordinating logistics and personnel.
Despite these setbacks, Sendero proved it can still inflict serious
damage. During 1994, Sendero murdered more than 150 Peruvians, down from
516 in 1993. In February, suspected Sendero militants detonated an 80-
kilogram car bomb against the Air Force headquarters building in central
Lima, killing two persons. In October, the group destroyed six
electrical towers, cutting off power temporarily in nearly all of Lima,
much of the Peruvian coast, and part of the Sierra highlands.
Uruguay
Three suspected members of the Basque separatist movement ETA were
extradited to Spain in August by the Uruguayan Supreme Court. President
Luis Alberto Lacalle's refusal to grant political asylum for the three
prompted death threats against Uruguayan diplomats in Spain. Riots
outside the hospital where the hunger strikers were held on the day of
their extradition resulted in one death, 90 injuries, and 28 arrests.
Middle Eastern Overview
Terrorist violence in the Middle East continued at a high level in 1994.
Extremist Muslim groups, such as the Islamic Resistance Movement (HAMAS)
and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), demonstrated an increasingly deadly
and sophisticated capability to mount terrorist attacks aimed at
destroying the Middle East peace process. In Algeria, a brutal internal
conflict escalated, posing new threats to the foreign community and the
safety of civil aviation.
In Israel and the occupied territories, the peace process came under
sustained attack by militants determined to derail the negotiations
between the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the Government of Israel.
Both HAMAS and the PIJ increased their activities within Israel, in the
process demonstrating an improved ability to mount more sophisticated
and deadly attacks. In the worst such incident during the year, the
military wing of HAMAS, the Izz el-Din al-Qassam Brigades, claimed
responsibility for the 19 October suicide bombing of a commuter bus in
the heart of downtown Tel Aviv that killed 22 Israelis. PIJ also claimed
numerous attacks on Israelis, including the 11 November suicide bombing
at Netzarim junction in Gaza that killed three Israeli soldiers. The
Chairman of the PA, Yasir Arafat, condemned these attacks and took some
steps to counter anti-Israeli terrorism. PA security cooperation with
Israeli authorities was generally close, as demonstrated by the
substantial assistance provided by Palestinian security authorities to
Israel during the hunt for a kidnapped Israeli Army corporal in October.
Nevertheless, Israeli officials called for a more effective crackdown by
the PA on Palestinian terrorist elements. Violent Jewish opposition to
the peace process also occurred; in March, the Israeli Government banned
the extremist Kach and Kahane Chai groups as terrorist organizations
after a Kach member murdered 29 Palestinian worshippers in a Hebron
mosque in February.
The security situation in Algeria continued to deteriorate as the Armed
Islamic Group (AIG) stepped up attacks against the Algerian regime and
civilians. Foreigners resident in Algeria were key targets as well; 63
were killed during 1994 by AIG forces. A French Consulate employee was
slain in January, and in August an attempt was made to explode a car
bomb at a French diplomatic housing compound. The AIG employed an
ominous new tactic in December, when AIG militants hijacked an Air
France jet at Algiers airport, killing a French Embassy cook and a
Vietnamese diplomat in the process. Efforts by the major Islamist and
non-Islamist opposition parties to establish a political dialogue with
the regime were unsuccessful, increasing the likelihood of intensified
political violence.
In Egypt, the security services scored numerous successes against
militants seeking to overthrow the government and establish an Islamic
state. Intensified counterterrorism efforts, improved police work, and
the death of an important Islamic Group (IG) leader in a police raid in
April helped disrupt IG activities and stem the tide of antiforeigner
attacks, which killed five tourists in 1994. IG threats against the UN-
sponsored International Conference on Population and Development did not
result in any security incidents, most likely due to the efforts of
Egyptian security authorities and a still disorganized IG. The IG does,
however, retain the capacity to attack foreign targets and disrupt the
tourism industry, as evidenced by shooting assaults in September and
October that killed three foreigners and three Egyptians.
Jordanian authorities continued in 1994 to maintain a tight grip on the
internal security situation. Dozens of individuals were arrested in
terrorism-related cases during the year, including 20 persons suspected
of involvement in a series of bombings and other planned terrorist
incidents. Jordan and Israel signed a full treaty of peace on 26 October
1994. Under the terms of the treaty, Jordan and Israel are committed to
cooperation in combating terrorism of all kinds. However, HAMAS and
other Palestinian extremists continue to maintain a presence in Amman.
Security conditions in Lebanon improved during 1994 as the government
continued to take steps to extend its authority and reestablish the rule
of law. In January, the government promptly arrested and prosecuted
persons associated with the ANO and who assassinated a Jordanian
diplomat. In April a prominent Iraqi expatriate oppositionist residing
in Beirut was assassinated. The Government of Lebanon stated that it had
firm evidence linking the killing to the Government of Iraq, arrested
two Iraqi diplomats in connection with the incident, and broke
diplomatic relations with Iraq. In March, the government banned armed
demonstrations after a public celebration by the militant organization
Hizballah. The government also put on trial former Lebanese Forces
warlord Samir Ja'ja on charges of domestic terrorism and announced that
the investigation into the 1983 bombings of the US and French
peacekeepers' barracks would be "revived." However, significant threats
to the safety of foreigners remained. Hizballah publicly threatened
American interests and continued to operate with impunity in areas of
Lebanon not controlled by the central government, including the south,
the Biq'a Valley, and Beirut's southern suburbs. Numerous Palestinian
groups with a history of terrorist violence maintain a presence in
Lebanon; these include the Popular Front for the Liberation of
PalestinevGeneral Command and the ANO.
Moroccan authorities, alarmed by an attack on a hotel in Marrakech in
August that killed two Spanish tourists, sought evidence that the
incident was linked to other assaults in the country. Allegations
surfaced that these attacks were politically related to the crisis in
Algeria. Criminal motivations, however, are another strong possibility,
and the August attack was not followed by other such incidents as of the
end of the year.
Algeria
The overall security situation deteriorated even further in 1994 as
violence intensified throughout the country, affecting Algerians from
all walks of life. Although Islamic extremists remained highly
fractionalized, most of the violence was focused against regime and
military targets. The extremist AIG waged a bloody war against Algerian
civilians. The AIG also targeted foreigners, with 63 killed in 1994.
The influence of the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) over the extremist
elements appeared to slip even further in 1994 as most of the group's
leaders remained in prison. In September the government released into
house arrest FIS president Abassi Madani and vice president Ali Belhadj.
The overall level of violence on all sides nonetheless increased.
The extremist AIG instead intensified its attacks against Algerian
civilians, including journalists, unveiled women and girls, the
intelligentsia, and anyone it accused of "cooperating" with the regime.
The group often used tactics such as beheading and throat-slitting.
Attacks against foreigners also increased markedly since the AIG began
its antiforeigner campaign in September 1993. On 15 January a French
Consulate employee was murdered; the campaign against French residents
in Algeria reached a peak with the 3 August attack on a French diplomat
housing compound where extremists attempted to detonate a car laden with
explosives.
Other examples of attacks against foreigners included the 8 May murders
of two French priests, the 11 July attack against five foreigners on
their way to work at a state-owned oil site, the one-week hostage
holding of the Omani and Yemeni Ambassadors, and the 18 October
execution of two Schlumberger employees at a Sonatrach oil site. The
AIG's attacks against foreigners grew more sophisticated throughout
1994, and the group's operations demonstrated a significant level of
coordination in some cases. While the AIG was responsible for most of
the attacks against foreigners in 1994, there are many extremist cells
operating in Algeria that do not fall under a central authority that may
also be responsible for such attacks.
On 24 December, members of the AIG hijacked an Air France flight in
Algeria. The plane arrived in Marseille, France, on 26 December. A
French antiterrorist unit stormed the plane, ending the 54-hour siege in
which three hostages were killed by the terrorists. All four terrorists
were killed during the rescue.
Despite the Algerian regime's "carrot and stick" approach, the security
situation at the end of 1994 remained grim. Efforts by the major
Islamist and non-Islamist opposition parties to establish a political
dialogue with the regime were unsuccessful; at no point during these
efforts did the military halt its campaign against the Islamists.
President Zeroual announced in November 1994 that presidential elections
would take place by the end of 1995 but left open the question of who
would be allowed to participate. The major opposition parties denounced
the election proposal. Continued bloodshed appeared to be the most
likely scenario for the beginning of 1995.
Egypt
The pace of attacks by Islamic extremists on tourist sites in Egypt fell
off somewhat during 1994. Five foreign tourists were killed in separate
attacks, and more than 20 Egyptian civilians were killed in various
attacks throughout Egypt in 1994. Egypt's tourism industry, which had
suffered greatly from the sustained 1993 campaign of attacks against
tourist sites, began to recover somewhat in 1994 as the Egyptian
Government made some successful gains in stemming the attacks.
Most attacks against Egyptian official and civilian targets, and against
foreign tourists, were claimed by the extremist Islamic Group (IG). The
IG seeks the violent overthrow of the Egyptian Government and began
attacking tourist targets in 1992. The IG considers Sheikh Omar Abdel
Rahman its "spiritual" leader; at yearend, he awaited trial in the
United States on charges related to the conspiracy to attack various New
York City landmarks and the United Nations.
In February, the IG initiated a limited bombing campaign against Western
banks in the Cairo area. Over two months, seven banks were bombed, and
an additional four bombs planted at other banks were defused. Injuries
were limited, and only one of the banks suffered major damage.
Nonetheless, the bank bombing campaign represented an extension of the
IG's antiforeigner attacks, and it coincided with another IG campaign of
attacks against trains in Assiut, upper Egypt. Eight tourists were
injured in February in a series of shooting attacks against trains
running in that province. The bank bombings ended in March with the
arrests of the alleged perpetrators.
In April, Egypt stepped up its counterterrorism efforts, focusing
particularly on the Cairo area. An important IG leader was killed during
a police raid, which appeared to disrupt the organization of the group.
There was a significant drop in the number of violent incidents from
April through August throughout Egypt, but particularly in Cairo. This
was accomplished by more effective police work, enhanced security in the
troubled Assiut Province, and perhaps a dropoff in recruitment levels of
extremists.
In August, the IG attacked a tourist bus in upper Egypt, killing one
Spanish tourist and warning foreigners not to come to Egypt for the
International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). The UN-
sponsored ICPD was held in September in Cairo; no incidents occurred in
Cairo during the conference, probably due in part to greatly enhanced
security and a still disorganized IG.
The IG continued to pose a limited threat to foreigners in Egypt at the
close of 1994, as a September shooting attack on a market street in the
Red Sea resort area of Hurghada resulted in the death of one German
tourist and two Egyptians. In the fall, the IG appeared to shift the
venue of its attacks to the upper Egyptian Provinces of Minya and Qena.
An October attack on a minibus traveling in upper Egypt, which led to
the death of a British tourist, demonstrated that the IG retained the
capability to inflict injuries and damage the tourism industry.
Israel and the Occupied Territories
Terrorist attacks and violence instigated by Palestinians continued at a
high level in 1994. Seventy-three Israeli soldiers and civilians were
killed and more than 100 wounded in 1994, up slightly from 1993. There
was a significant increase in the number of Israelis killed inside
Israelwas compared with only 14 in 1993.
The Islamic Resistance Movement (HAMAS) killed roughly 55 Israelis and
wounded more than 150 in 1994 as part of a terror campaign to derail the
peace process. HAMAS's armed wing, the Izz el-Din al-Qassam, claimed
responsibility for the April bombings of buses in Afula and Hadera,
which together killed 14 Israelis and wounded nearly 75. In October, al-
Qassam launched three high-profile attacks on Israelis: the 9 October
shooting of people on the streets of Jerusalem, which left two dead; the
kidnapping of Israel Defense Force Corporal Nachshon Wachsman, which
resulted in the killing of Wachsman and one other Israeli soldier; and
the bombing of a commuter bus in Tel Aviv, which killed 22. HAMAS
spokesmen announced that these attacks were part of the group's policy
of jihad against the "Israeli occupation of all of Palestine" and
retaliation for the Hebron Massacre.
Other Palestinian groups that reject the Gaza-Jericho accord and the
peace process also attacked Israelis. Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ)v
Shiqaqi faction claimed responsibility for a suicide bomber who attacked
an Israeli patrol in Gaza in November killing three Israeli soldiers.
PIJ claimed at least 18 other attacks on Israelis, including a shooting
on a commuter bus stop on 7 April that killed two in Ashdod, south of
Tel Aviv. The Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine and the
Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine claimed responsibility for
several attacks on Israeli settlers and soldiers.
Yasir Arafat, Chairman of the Palestinian Authority (PA), tried to rein
in Palestinian violence against Israel in 1994. The PA police force took
some steps to curtail anti-Israeli attacks, including several mass
detentions and a strong effort to find where Corporal Wachsman was
detained by HAMAS. Arafat and other senior PA officials condemned acts
of terrorism by HAMAS and the PIJ, but did not do so when individuals
associated with the Fatah Hawks, nominally aligned with Arafat's Fatah
organization, were responsible for a few attacks in early 1994. Israeli
officials urged the PA to take tougher measures against terrorists.
Intra-Palestinian violence has increased since the implementation of the
Gaza-Jericho accord began on 4 May. On 18 November, 13 Palestinians were
killed and more than 150 wounded when Palestinian Police clashed with
HAMAS and PIJ supporters who were planning to demonstrate in Gaza. This
incident followed several protests by weapons-bearing Islamists in the
weeks following the HAMAS kidnapping of Corporal Wachsman and the PA's
mass roundup of HAMAS supporters. In 1994, Fatah Hawks and HAMAS killed
at least 20 Palestinians whom the extremists labeled as collaborators.
The Israeli Cabinet outlawed the Jewish extremist groups Kach and Kahane
Chai in March, declaring them to be terrorist organizations after Baruch
Goldstein, who was a Kach member, attacked Palestinian worshippers at
Hebron's al-Ibrahimi Mosque in February, killing 29 persons and wounding
more than 200. Neither Kach nor Kahane Chai assisted or directed
Goldstein in his attack, but both organizations vocally supported him.
The leading figures of these groups were arrested and held in Israeli
prisons on charges of calling for attacks on Palestinians and Israeli
Government officials. In September, Shin Bet arrested 11 Jewish
extremists who were planning terrorist attacks against Palestinians.
Israel's intense border security appeared effectively to prevent
infiltrations from Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan. In March, a team of four
DFLP terrorists was intercepted by Israel Defense Force troops. Katyusha
rocket attacks from southern Lebanon into northern Israel by Hizballah
and Palestinian rejectionist groups decreased in 1994, and no Israelis
were killed in the attacks. Hizballah guerrillas, often in response to
Israeli attacks on a Lebanese village, fired Katyusha rockets on four
occasions from January to July 1994 and launched several Katyushas in
October hours before the signing of the Jordanian-Israeli peace accord
attended by President Clinton.
Jordan
Jordanian security and police closely monitor extremists inside the
country and detain individuals suspected of involvement in violent acts
aimed at destabilizing the government or undermining its relations with
neighboring states. Jordan maintains tight security along its border
with Israel and has interdicted individuals attempting to infiltrate
into Israel. On 26 October 1994 Jordan and Israel signed a full treaty
of peace that commits the two parties to cooperation in a variety of
areas, including combating terrorism. In 1994 two new international
border crossing points were established between Jordan and Israel.
Jordanian authorities arrested dozens of people in terrorism-related
cases during 1994. On 20 February, authorities arrested 30 persons in
Amman, including 15 suspected members of the ANO. The arrests reportedly
occurred in connection with the assassination of a Jordanian diplomat in
January in Beirut by the ANO. In 1994, 25 Islamists (referred to as the
"Arab Afghans") were arrested and tried for planning to overthrow the
government, assassinate prominent Jordanians, and attack public and
private institutions. The State Security Court handed down verdicts on
21 December and sentenced 11 defendants to death, sentenced seven to
various prison terms with hard labor, and acquitted the remaining
defendants of all charges. Two individuals were also arrested for
stabbing tourists in downtown Amman on 27 February, two days after the
massacre of Palestinian worshippers on the West Bank by a Jewish
extremist.
A variety of Palestinian rejectionist groups have offices in Jordan,
including the PFLP, PFLP-GC, DFLP, PIJ, and HAMAS. In April, King
Hussein announced that HAMAS was an "illegal" organization in Jordan.
After the King's announcement, HAMAS spokespersons in Jordan were more
circumspect in their statements and often issued statements from other
locations.
Lebanon
The security situation in Lebanon continued to improve during 1994 as
Beirut endeavored to reestablish its authority and rebuild the country
in the wake of the devastating 16-year civil war. Although the Lebanese
Government has made some moves to limit the autonomy of individuals and
powerful groupswspecifically Hizballahwthere are still considerable
areas of relative lawlessness throughout Lebanon. Beirut and its
environs are safer for some non-Lebanese now than as recently as a year
ago, but the Bekaa Valley and other Hizballah strongholds are
considerably more dangerous than the capital, especially for Westerners,
who are still subject to attacks. In June, for example, a German citizen
was the victim of an apparent kidnapping attempt perpetrated by
Hizballah in Ba'labakk. The would-be victim's assailants fled after
passers-by noticed the commotion. There is credible evidence that
Hizballah continues its surveillance of Americans; Hizballah also
continues to issue public threats against American interests.
Hizballah has yet to be disarmed, but Beirut is making efforts to
restrict activities by the group that challenge the government's
authority. For example, the government banned armed demonstrations after
Hizballah's celebration of Martyr's Day in the Bekaa Valley in March and
issued arrest warrants for participants who were brandishing weapons
during the march. In February when Hizballah, without reference to the
state authority, tried and executed a teenager in Ba'labakk accused of
murder, prominent members of Parliament publicly admonished the group
and said such acts by nongovernmental organizations should not be
tolerated. However, neither the judiciary nor law enforcement agencies
made any effort to interfere in or investigate the affair.
The Lebanese Government took judicial steps during 1994 to signal that
violence is not an acceptable means for achieving domestic political
change. In January, the government promptly arrested and prosecuted
persons associated with the ANO and who assassinated a Jordanian
diplomat.
On 12 April, a prominent Iraqi expatriate oppositionist residing in
Beirut was assassinated. The Government of Lebanon stated that it had
firm evidence linking the killing to the Government of Iraq and arrested
two Iraqi diplomats in connection with the incident. Lebanon
subsequently broke diplomatic relations with Iraq.
In July a Lebanese criminal court refused to convict two defendants in
the 1976 killings of the US Ambassador, Francis Meloy, and the economic
counselor, Robert Waring. The Lebanese Court of Cassation agreed to
order a retrial after intervention by the government's prosecutor
general. The trial is set to begin in March 1995.
Lebanese authorities arrested Lebanese Forces Leader Samir Ja'ja on
charges of domestic terrorismwincluding the bombing of a Maronite church
in Zuk in February that killed 11 persons and wounded 59. His trial was
ongoing as of the end of the year. In November, the government suggested
it would "revive" the investigation into the 1983 bombings of the US and
French Marine barracks. Although viewed by some as a message to
Hizballah of government intention to reassert authority, the government
has not yet followed its announcement with concrete action. In December
the government accepted an invitation from the US Government to send an
official delegation to Washington to discuss means to improve the
security situation in Lebanon.
Morocco
On 24 August two Spanish tourists were killed when gunmen opened fire at
the Atlas Asni hotel in Marrakech during an apparent robbery attempt.
After initial investigations, Moroccan officials linked the hotel attack
to other assaults throughout Morocco, including the attempted robberies
of a bank and a McDonald's restaurant in 1993. Nine suspects were
arrested, and Moroccan authorities claimed to have discovered an arms
cache hidden by the group.
There have been allegations that Islamic extremists related to the
Algerian militant movement were behind the Marrakech incident. But some
Moroccan officials have also claimed that members of the Algerian
security services were behind the attack, hoping to foment instability
in Morocco to take the international focus off the Algerian crisis. The
real motives of the attackers remain unclear, and the incident could
easily have been an ordinary criminal attack. As of 31 December, the
Marrakech attack was not followed by similar incidents in Morocco.
State-Sponsored Terrorism Overview
The provision of funding, safehaven, and weapons and logistic support to
terrorists by sovereign states is crucial to the operation of many
international terrorist organizations. Such support continues in
defiance of the international community's unequivocal condemnation of
terrorism and those who support it. Recognizing the danger that such
support represents, a primary aim of our counterterrorism policy has
been to apply pressure to such states to stop that support and to make
them pay the cost if they persist. We do this by publicly identifying
state sponsors and by imposing economic, diplomatic, and sometimes
military sanctions. Seven nations are designated as states that sponsor
international terrorism: Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan,
and Syria.
Cuba is no longer able to actively support armed struggle in Latin
America and other parts of the world as the Castro regime has become
preoccupied with its struggle for existence. Although there is no
evidence of direct sponsorship of terrorist acts in 1994, Havana does
provide safehaven for several international terrorists. Cuba has not
renounced political support for groups that engage in international
terrorism.
Iran is still the most active state sponsor of international terrorism.
Iranian terrorist operations concentrate on Iranian dissidents living
outside Iran. While Tehran has tried to moderate its public image in the
West, Iran continues to use terrorism as ruthlessly as it did under
Khomeini and supports groups, such as Hizballah, that pose a threat to
Americans. In December, a French court handed down a decision in the
trial of three Iranians accused of participating in the 1991 murder of
former Iranian Prime Minister Bakhtiar and an assistant. One was
sentenced to life and one to 10 years in prison, while the third, an
employee of the Iranian Embassy in Bern, was acquitted. Iran remains
committed to carrying out the death sentence imposed on British author
Salman Rushdie. Iran's main client, Hizballah, could well have been
responsible for the 18 July bombing of the Argentine-Israel Mutual
Association (AMIA) that left nearly 100 persons dead. Iran supports many
other radical organizations that have resorted to terrorism, such as the
Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), HAMAS, and the Popular Front for the
Liberation of PalestinevGeneral Command (PFLP-GC).
Throughout 1994 Iraq remained out of compliance with UN Security Council
resolutions, including those requiring it to renounce terrorism. Iraq
continued its terrorist attacks against political dissidents, both at
home and abroad. It also continued its terrorist war of attrition aimed
at driving UN and other foreign aid agencies out of northern Iraq and
depriving the Kurdish population of relief supplies. There were at least
17 attacks against UN and international relief personnel reported in
1994. Iraq continues to provide safehaven and training facilities for
several terrorist organizations, including Abu Abbas' Palestine
Liberation Front (PLF), the ANO, and the Arab Liberation Front (ALF). In
June, a Kuwaiti court rendered verdicts in the trial of the 14
individuals accused of participating in the plot to assassinate former
President Bush during his April 1993 visit to Kuwait.
Libya continued to defy the demands of UN Security Council resolutions
adopted in response to Tripoli's involvement in the bombings of Pan Am
Flight 103 and UTA Flight 772. The resolutions demand that Tripoli turn
over the two Libyan intelligence agents suspected of carrying out the
bombing plot for trial either in a US or UK court, pay compensation to
the victims, cooperate in the ongoing investigation, and cease all
support for terrorism. Available evidence suggests Libya was behind the
disappearance of prominent Libyan dissident and human rights activist
Mansour Kikhia from his hotel room in Egypt in December 1993. Leaders of
terrorist groups HAMAS and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) publicly
announced that Qadhafi had pledged to provide them with aid for the
"Liberation of Palestine."
North Korea is not known to have sponsored any international terrorist
attacks since 1987, when it conducted the midflight bombing of a KAL
airliner. North Korea has publicly condemned terrorism but maintains
contact with groups that practice terrorism and continues to provide
sanctuary to Japanese Communist LeaguevRed Army Faction terrorists who
hijacked a Japan Airlines flight to North Korea in 1970.
While there is no evidence that the Government of Sudan conducted or
sponsored a specific act of terrorism in 1994, the regime provided
safehaven and support for members of several international terrorist
groups operating in Sudan. These include some of the world's most
violent organizations: the ANO, the Lebanese Hizballah, HAMAS, the
Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), and Egypt's Islamic Group. Some of
Sudan's neighbors have complained that insurgents in North Africa have
received training, funds, weapons, travel documents and indoctrination
from Sudan. In December, Eritrea severed diplomatic relations with Sudan
for its support for subversive activities and hostile acts. Sudan turned
over the international terrorist Carlos to France in August, after
offering him safehaven in Khartoum since late 1993. The regime has
stated that the turnover was a one-time occurrence and would not affect
other terrorists currently harbored in Sudan.
There is no evidence that Syrian officials have been directly involved
in planning or executing terrorist attacks since 1986, but Syria
continues to provide safehaven and support, inside Syria or in areas of
Lebanon under Syrian control, for terrorist groups such as Ahmad
Jibril's PFLP-GC, HAMAS, PIJ, the Japanese Red Army, and the Kurdistan
Workers' Party (PKK). Syria also permits Iran to resupply Hizballah via
Damascus. Nevertheless, Damascus continues to restrain the international
activities of some of these groups.
Cuba
The Castro regime, which is preoccupied with its existence, is no longer
able to support armed struggle actively in Latin America and other parts
of the world. In years past, Havana provided significant levels of
military training, weapons, funds, and guidance to leftist subversives.
Currently, the regime's focus is largely on economic survival, and the
government is attempting to upgrade diplomatic and trade relations
within Latin America. Cuba's economy continued to deteriorate, and a
large antiregime demonstration broke out for the first time in 1994.
Although there is no evidence that Cuban officials have been directly
involved in sponsoring a specific act of terrorism during the past year,
Havana did provide safehaven in 1994 to several terrorists in Cuba. A
number of ETA Basque terrorists who sought sanctuary in Cuba several
years ago continue to live on the island. Some of the more than 40
Chilean terrorists from the Manuel Rodriguez Patriotic Front (FPMR) who
escaped from a Chilean prison in 1990 also probably still reside in
Cuba. Colombia's two main guerrilla groups, the Revolutionary Armed
Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN),
reportedly maintain representatives in Havana.
Iran
Iran is still the most active state sponsor of international terrorism
and continues to be directly involved in planning and executing
terrorist acts. This year Tehran seems to have maintained its terrorist
activities at the level of 1993, when there were four confirmed and two
possible Iranian attacks on dissidents living outside Iran. Iranian
terrorist operations concentrate on Iranian dissidents, particularly
members of the Mojahedin-e Khalq (MEK) and the Kurdish Democratic Party
of Iran (KDPI). Iran supports extremist Palestinian groups that have
used terrorism to try to halt the Middle East peace process. Tehran also
gives varying degrees of assistance to an assortment of radical Islamic
and secular groups from North Africa to Central Asia.
While President Rafsanjani has tried to moderate Iran's public image to
expand its economic and political ties to Western Europe and Japan, Iran
continues to use terrorism as ruthlessly as it did under Khomeini.
Tehran supports groups, such as its main client Hizballah, that pose a
threat to Americans. Due to the continuing threat from Tehran and
Hizballah, American diplomatic missions and personnel remain at risk.
Confirmed attacks on Iranian dissidents in the past year include the
following: the 7 January killing of Taha Kirmeneh, a dissident who was a
member of the Kurdish Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI), by gunmen in
Coru, Turkey; the 10 January wounding of a member of the KDPI by a
letter bomb in Stockholm, Sweden; the killing of a KDPI leader in
Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, on 10 March; and the killing of two members of the
Mojahedin-e Khalq (MEK) in Qabbiyah, Iraq, while driving to Baghdad on
29 May. While the MEK has been victimized by Iranian terrorism, the
group has itself employed terrorist tactics.
The 24 June murder of dissident Osman Muhammed Amini at his home in
Copenhagen and the 12 November murder of dissident Ali Mohammed Assadi
in Bucharest may also have been carried out at the Iranian Government's
behest.
On 6 December, a French court handed down a decision in the trial of
three Iranians accused of participating in the 1991 murder of former
Iranian Prime Minister Bakhtiar and an assistant. One defendant received
life imprisonment. A second, an Iranian radio correspondent who is
reputed to be a nephew of the late Ayatollah Khomeini, was sentenced to
10 years in jail. The third, an employee of the Iranian Embassy in Bern,
was acquitted.
Iran remains committed to implementation of the death sentence imposed
on British author Salman Rushdie. When speaking to Western audiences,
Iranian leaders claim that the fatwa (or religious finding) against
Rushdie is a religious matter that does not involve the Government of
Iran.
However, the Iranian Government continued its propaganda campaign
against Rushdie. In February, the fifth anniversary of the fatwa, Tehran
Radio stated that "The least punishment for (Rushdie)7is7his execution."
Ayatollah Hassan Sanei, the head of a quasi-governmental foundation that
has offered a $2 million reward for the murder of Rushdie, said that
supporters of Rushdie who campaign for the lifting of the fatwa deserved
to be "punished." A Revolutionary Guards official vowed publicly that
the death sentence would be carried out. The influence of this campaign
has been felt outside Iran. In September, the head of a Muslim
organization in Norway threatened to kill Rushdie if he attended a
conference on freedom of expression in Stavanger.
Iran is also the world's preeminent state sponsor of extremist Islamic
and Palestinian groups, providing funds, weapons, and training.
Hizballah, Iran's closest client, could well have been responsible for
the 18 July bombing of the Argentine Israel Mutual Association that left
nearly 100 persons dead. This operation was virtually identical to the
one conducted in March 1992 against the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires,
for which Hizballah claimed responsibility. Hizballah had stated that it
would seek retaliation against Israel for the kidnapping of a well-known
Lebanese Shia terrorist and the Israeli airstrike in June on a Hizballah
camp in Lebanon that killed more than 20 militants.
Iran supports many other radical organizations that have engaged in
terrorism. Tehran opposes any compromise with or recognition of Israel
and, as the peace process moves ahead, has worked to coordinate a
rejectionist front to oppose the Israeli-PLO accords, particularly with
the PIJ, the PFLP-GC, and HAMAS, as well as Hizballah.
Tehran continues to provide safehaven to the terrorist Kurdistan
Workers' Party (PKK) in Iran. The PKKwseeking to establish a Kurdish
state in southeastern Turkeywin 1994 conducted a violent campaign
against Turkish tourism, including attacks on tourist spots frequented
by foreigners, while continuing unabated the use of terrorism against
Turkish citizens, including ethnic Kurds.
Iraq
Iraq continued to engage in state-sponsored internal and international
terrorism in 1994. It is rebuilding its ability to mount terrorist
attacks abroad, despite financial and diplomatic constraints imposed in
the wake of the Gulf war.
The Government of Iraq provides safehaven and logistic support to
several terrorist groups and individuals, including elements of the ANO,
based in Lebanon; the Mojahedin-e Khalq, which is opposed to the
government in Tehran; Abu Abbas' Palestine Liberation Front (PLF); and
notorious bomb-maker Abu Ibrahim. Both Abbas and Ibrahim enjoy sanctuary
in Iraq.
Political killings and terrorist actions are directed against civilians,
foreign relief workers, journalists, and opposition leaders. On 12
April, a prominent Iraqi expatriate oppositionist residing in Beirut,
Lebanon, was assassinated. The Government of Lebanon stated that it had
firm evidence linking the killing to the Government of Iraq and arrested
two Iraqi diplomats in connection with the incident. Lebanon
subsequently broke diplomatic relations with Iraq.
Since 1991, in violation of UN Security Council resolutions, the
Government of Iraq has obstructed the international community's
provision of humanitarian assistance. We believe that Iraq is
responsible for more than 100 attacks on relief personnel and aid
convoys over the past four years. Moreover, the Government of Iraq has
offered monetary "bounties" to anyone who assassinates UN and other
international relief workers.
A German journalist and her Kurdish bodyguard were shot to death on 3
April in an ambush near Suleymaniya. Kurdish authorities arrested
several suspects who reportedly confessed that the government had paid
them to commit the murders. Several other international personnel,
including UN guards and journalists, were critically injured in bombing
and shooting attacks. At least 16 such attacks were reported. On 2
January, two UN vehicles were fired on while approaching the Aski Kalak
bridge between Mosul and Irbil. One vehicle was hit seven times. On 21
January a handmade device using TNT exploded in the garden of a UN
residence. Two Swedish journalists were injured on 14 March near Aqrah
when a bomb exploded under their car. On 24 May two vehicles carrying
representatives from the NGO OXFAM were shot at while returning to
Suleymaniyah from a UN-NGO meeting in Salaheddin. On 1 June handgrenades
were thrown at a warehouse in Suleymaniyah belonging to the French
relief group Equilibre.
In July, three members of a prominent Shi'a family, the al-Khoeis, and
their driver died under suspicious circumstances in an automobile crash
in southern Iraq, near Al Najaf. Evidence points to involvement by the
Government of Iraq. The al-Khoei family had long been targeted for
harassment and abuse by the government.
On 4 June, a Kuwaiti court returned verdicts in the trial of the 14
individuals accused of participation in the plot to assassinate former
President Bush during his April 1993 visit to Kuwait. Six of the 14 were
sentenced to death, seven were sentenced to prison for terms ranging
from six months to 12 years, and one was acquitted.
Libya
The Libyan regime continued to defy the demands of UN Security Council
Resolutions 731, 748, and 883 adopted in response to Tripoli's
involvement in the bombings of Pan Am Flight 103 and UTA Flight 772.
UNSCR 731 was adopted following the November 1991 indictments by British
and US authorities of two Libyan intelligence agents for their role in
the 1988 Pan Am bombing. The resolution incorporated US and British
demands that Tripoli turn over the two suspects for trial in either a US
or UK court, pay compensation to the victims, cooperate in the ongoing
investigation, and cease all support for terrorism. UNSCR 731 also
demanded that Tripoli cooperate with French authorities in their
separate investigation of the UTA 772 bombing in 1989.
In April 1992, UNSCR 748 imposed sanctions against the Libyan regime for
its refusal to comply with the demands of UNSCR 731. Those sanctions
involved embargoing Libyan civil aviation and military procurement
efforts, as well as requiring all states to reduce Libya's diplomatic
presence. In November 1993, UNSCR 883 imposed additional sanctions to
increase the pressure on Libya to comply with previous demands. The 883
sanctions added a limited assets freeze and oil technology ban and
strengthened existing sanctions.
By the end of 1994, Libya had taken no serious steps toward compliance
with any of the UNSC demands. Instead, the Libyan regime continued to
propose half measures and "compromise" solutions to the trial venue for
the two suspects. Tripoli's proposals appeared disingenuous from the
start, as none satisfy the demands of UNSC resolutions or meet the
requirements of American or British judicial systems.
Even while Libya continued its efforts to convince international public
opinion that it had abandoned terrorism, Qadhafi and his senior advisers
vehemently attacked the Libyan opposition, calling them "stray dogs" and
publicly threatening them. Indeed, available evidence strongly suggests
Libya was behind the disappearance of prominent Libyan dissident and
human rights activist, Mansour Kikhia, from his hotel room in Egypt in
December 1993.
Throughout 1994, Tripoli demonstrated its willingness to support groups
that oppose Western interests with terrorism. Qadhafi repeatedly urged
radical rejectionists of the Middle East peace process to use "whatever
means" possible to oppose it. Libya opened its arms to leaders of well-
known militant groups opposed to the Gaza-Jericho accord and hosted
several meetings of the rejectionist groups in 1994. In addition, Libya
hailed the 19 October bus-bombing attack in Tel Aviv by HAMAS as a
"courageous operation." In addition, the leaders of HAMAS and the
Palestinian Islamic Jihad publicly announced that Qadhafi had pledged to
provide them with aid for the "liberation of Palestine."
North Korea
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea) is not
known to have sponsored any international terrorist attacks since 1987,
when it conducted the midflight bombing of a KAL airliner. A North
Korean spokesman in April 1993 condemned all forms of terrorism,
including state terrorism, and said his country resolutely opposed the
encouragement and support of terrorism. Nevertheless, North Korea
maintains contact with groups that practice terrorism and continues to
provide political sanctuary to members of the Japanese Communist Leaguev
Red Army Faction who hijacked a Japan Airlines flight to North Korea in
1970.
Sudan
The Government of Sudan provided safehaven and support for members of
several international terrorist groups operating in Sudan. The regime
also permitted Tehran to use Sudan as a secure transit point and meeting
site for Iranian-backed extremist groups. There is no evidence that
Sudan, which is dominated by the National Islamic Front (NIF), conducted
or sponsored a specific act of terrorism in 1994.
The list of groups that maintain a presence or operate in Sudan is
disturbing and includes some of the world's most violent organizations:
the ANO, the Lebanese Hizballah, the Palestinian Islamic Resistance
Movement (HAMAS), the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), and Egypt's
Islamic Group. The NIF also supports Islamic opposition groups from
Algeria, Tunisia, Kenya, and Eritrea. Some of Sudan's neighbors have
complained that insurgents in North Africa have received assistance from
Sudan in the form of training, funds, weapons, travel documents, and
indoctrination. In December, Eritrea severed diplomatic relations with
Sudan for its support for subversive activities and hostile acts.
In a positive development, Sudan turned over the international terrorist
"Carlos" (Ilyich Ramirez Sanchez) to France in August. Carloswwho
bragged about his ties to senior government officials, carried a weapon,
and flaunted Sudan's lawswhad been living in Sudan since late 1993 with
full knowledge and protection of senior levels of the NIF and Sudanese
Government.
While the reasons for the expulsion of Carlos are not entirely clear,
the regime emphasized that the affair did not signal a shift in Sudanese
policy and that the fate of Carlos would not affect other terrorist
elements currently harbored in Sudan. President Bashir stated publicly
it was Sudan's duty to protect "mujahedin" who sought refuge. In a press
interview on the suicide bus bombing in Tel Aviv by a HAMAS militant in
October, which left 22 persons dead, NIF leader Hassan Turabi praised
the attack, calling it "an honorable act."
The Sudanese regime regularly denied there are terrorists in Sudan, and
it refused to investigate information the US Ambassador supplied in
September about the training of terrorists at the Merkhiyat Popular
Defense camp located northwest of Khartoum. The Foreign Minister
categorically dismissed the information without even offering to look
into it.
Syria
There is no evidence that Syrian officials have been directly involved
in planning or executing terrorist attacks since 1986. Damascus is
publicly committed to the Middle East peace process and has taken some
steps to restrain the international activities of these groups. Syria
also uses its influence with Hizballah to limit outbreaks of violence on
the border between Lebanon and Israel, but permits Iran to resupply
Hizballah via Damascus.
However, Syria continues to provide safehaven and support for several
groups that engage in international terrorism; spokesmen for some of
these groups have publicly claimed responsibility for attacks in Israel
and the occupied territories. Several radical terrorist groups maintain
training camps or other facilities on Syrian territory. Ahmad Jibril's
PFLP-GC has its headquarters near Damascus. In addition, Damascus grants
a wide variety of groups engaged in terrorism basing privileges or
refuge in areas of Lebanon's Bekaa Valley under Syrian control: these
include HAMAS, the PFLP-GC, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), and the
Japanese Red Army (JRA).
The terrorist group PKK continues to train in the Bekaa Valley, and its
leader, Abdullah Ocalan, resides at least part-time in Syria. The PKK in
1994 conducted a violent campaign against Turkish tourist spots
frequented by foreigners, as well as other terrorist violence across
Europe. Syrian safehaven for PKK operations was vigorously protested by
Turkey and is the subject of discussions between Syria and Turkey.
Appendix A
Chronology of Significant Terrorist Incidents, 1994
4 January
Ireland
The Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) claimed responsibility for two mail
bombs sent to Sinn Fein's Dublin offices.
Turkey
Iranian state agents are believed responsible for the assassination of a
member of the Iranian KDP Central Committee in Corum.
9 January
Iran
An armed attack was carried out against the British Embassy in Tehran.
No one was injured, and no one has claimed responsibility for the
attack.
10 January
Italy
A bomb detonated in front of the NATO Defense College building in Rome.
That evening, copies of an eight-page Red Brigades bulletin, claiming
responsibility on behalf of the "Combatant Communist Nuclei" (NCC), were
found in several provinces.
11 January
Peru
A suspected Sendero Luminoso (SL) satchel bomb exploded in front of the
Peruvian-Japanese cultural center in Lima, causing minimal damage to the
structure.
14 January
Colombia
Suspected members of the National Liberation Army (ELN) kidnapped US
citizen Russell Vacek, his wife Elizabeth, and other family members as
they were traveling in El Playon.
29 January
Lebanon
A Jordanian diplomat was shot and killed outside his home in Beirut. The
Government of Lebanon arrested and prosecuted ANO terrorists for the
attack.
2 February
Azerbaijan
Several bombs exploded inside railcars, killing five persons and
injuring several others at the Baku train station.
3 February
Greece
A bomb detonated at the German Goethe (culture) Institute in Athens. A
local newspaper received a warning a half hour before the detonation
from the Revolutionary People's Struggle (ELA) terrorist group.
Italy
A bomb was placed underneath the car of a Spanish Military Attache, Lt.
Col. Fernando Sagristano, in Rome. The device severely injured an
embassy driver.
19 February
Egypt
Unknown assailants fired upon a passenger train and wounded a Polish
woman, a Thai woman, and two Egyptian citizens in Asyut. The al-Gama'at
al-Islamiyya (Islamic Group) claimed responsibility for the attack.
23 February
Egypt
A bomb explosion aboard a passenger train in Asyut injured six foreign
touristswtwo New Zealanders, two Germans, and two Australianswand five
Egyptian citizens. The Islamic Group (IG) claimed responsibility for the
incident.
4 March
Egypt
Unknown gunmen opened fire at a Nile cruise ship and wounded a German
tourist near the Sohag Governorate. The Islamic Group (IG) claimed
responsibility for the incident.
Iraq
Unidentified gunmen fired on a European Relief Organization vehicle and
wounded two local guards near Irbil.
9-13 March
United Kingdom
The Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) fired mortars at London's
Heathrow International Airport in three separate attacks. There were no
injuries because the fully primed mortars failed to detonate.
13 March
Lebanon
A grenade detonated on the British Embassy compound, causing minor
damage and no injuries. No arrests or claims of responsibility were
reported.
24 March
Turkey
The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) is believed responsible for bombing
the Central Bazaar in Istanbul's historic tourist district. Four
tourists, including two Romanian women, were injured by the blast.
27 March
Turkey
A bomb detonated in the gardens of the Saint Sophia Mosque and Museum in
Istanbul, injuring three tourists: one German, one Spanish, and one
Dutch. The Metropole Revenge Team of the political wing of the PKK
claimed responsibility.
29 March
Iraq
Six assailants fired on a United Nations guard contingency bus traveling
from Irbil to Mosul and seriously wounded two Austrian guards.
1 April
Colombia
Six members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)
kidnapped US citizen Raymond Rising, Security Chief of the Summer
Linguistic Institution, as he rode his motorcycle from the Municipal
Capital of Puerto Lleras.
2 April
Turkey
The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) claimed responsibility for bombing
the IC Bedesten, the old bazaar at the center of the bazaar complex, in
Istanbul. Two foreign tourists, one Spanish and one Belgian, were
killed, and 17 others were injured.
3 April
Iraq
Assailants fired on a German journalist and her bodyguard while they
were traveling in their car near Suleymaniyah. Both occupants of the
vehicle were killed instantly.
8 April
Sri Lanka
A small bomb exploded inside a bathroom at the Marriott Hotel in
Colombo, causing minor damages and no casualties.
11 April
Greece
The 17 November terrorist group claimed responsibility for planting
rockets aimed at a British aircraft carrier, the Arc Royal. The rockets
were defused by explosives experts.
13 April
Lebanon
Five individuals, including two Iraqi diplomats, were arrested for
assassinating Iraqi opposition figure Shaykh Talib Ali al-Suhayl in his
house near West Beirut.
27 April
South Africa
A car bomb exploded at Jan Smuts Airport in Johannesburg, injuring 16
persons, including two Russian diplomats and a Swiss Air pilot. Although
no group has claimed responsibility, white separatists opposed to South
Africa's first multiracial election are believed responsible.
8 May
Algeria
Two French priests were shot and killed by two male assailants in the
lower Casbah district of Algiers. In its weekly publication, the Armed
Islamic Group (GIA) claimed responsibility.
17 May
Greece
A time-detonated rocket was fired at an IBM office in downtown Athens.
The 17 November terrorist group claimed responsibility in a warning call
to a radio station.
29 May
Iraq
At least two unknown assailants shot and killed an Iranian dissident,
Seyeed Ahmad Sadr Lahijani, as he drove his car through Ghalebieh.
17 June
Uganda
A driver for the Catholic Relief Services was badly beaten by Lord's
Resistance Army (LRA) rebels who ambushed the truck he was driving.
21-22 June
Turkey
In the coastal towns of Fethiye and Marmaris, bombs killed one foreign
national and injured 10 others at tourist sites. The PKK claimed
responsibility for the attacks on German television.
22 June
Turkey
Two bombs detonated within minutes of each other at a beach and park in
the resort town of Marmaris, wounding 12 persons, including four British
nationals, one of whom died five days later.
24 June
Greece
The Revolutionary People's Struggle (ELA/1 May) claimed responsibility
for a bombing outside the offices of the European Community in downtown
Athens. There were no injuries reported.
4 July
Greece
A senior Turkish diplomat in Athens, Omer Sipahioglu, was killed by
three gunmen as he sat in his car. "November 17vTheofilos Georgiadis
Commandos" claimed responsibility for the attack.
11 July
Greece
A bomb detonated in a Lindos restaurant on the Island of Rhodes,
seriously injuring an Italian tourist and a Greek citizen.
18 July
Argentina
A car bomb exploded at the Israeli-Argentine Mutual Association (AMIA),
killing nearly 100 persons and wounding more than 200 others. The
explosion caused the seven-story building to collapse and damaged
adjacent buildings.
19 July
Panama
A commuter plane exploded in flight over the Santa Rita mountains. Among
the 21 victims were Israeli nationals, dual Israeli-Panamanian citizens,
three US citizens, and 12 Jewish persons.
23 July
West Bank
Two unknown Palestinians stabbed and seriously injured a US woman in the
Arab quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. The assailants escaped
unharmed.
26 July
Cambodia
The Khmer Rouge attacked a train traveling in Kompong Trach and
kidnapped a number of passengers, among them an Australian, a Briton,
and a Frenchman.
United Kingdom
A car bomb exploded at the Israeli Embassy in London, injuring 14
persons. Police said the bomb was planted by a woman who was driving an
Audi.
27 July
United Kingdom
A car bomb detonated outside a building that houses Jewish organizations
in London. Five persons were injured in the attack.
3 August
Algeria
Five French Embassy employees were killed and one injured when
guerrillas from the Armed Islamic Group (AIG) attacked a French
residential compound in Algiers.
8 August
Turkey
The PKK kidnapped two Finnish nationals, stating that they did not have
"entry visas for Kurdistan." The Finns were held for 22 days before
being released unharmed.
12 August
Turkey
A bomb detonated in the Topkapi Bus Terminal, killing one Romanian
consular official and wounding seven other people. The PKK is suspected.
18 August
Chile
A bomb exploded at a Santiago office building that houses the American
company Fluor Daniel. The Manuel Rodriguez Patriotic Front (FPMR)
claimed responsibility and stated that the incident was carried out in
solidarity with Cuba and against the US economic blockade of the island.
26 August
Angola
A Portuguese priest and four nuns were kidnapped by suspected National
Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) rebels near Choba.
27 August
Philippines
Seven South Korean engineers and 30 Filipino workers were taken captive
by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
23 September
Colombia
Twelve terrorists from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)
kidnapped US citizen Thomas Hargrove when he stopped at a guerrilla
roadblock.
27 September
Egypt
Three persons were killed and two were wounded when an assailant fired
on a downtown tourist area in Hurghada. Two Egyptians and one German
were killed in the attack. The Islamic Group claimed responsibility for
the attack.
9 October
Israel
Two Arabs armed with assault rifles and grenades attacked pedestrians in
Jerusalem. The gunmen killed two persons and injured 14 others. Two US
citizens were among the injured. HAMAS has claimed responsibility for
the incident.
18 October
Algeria
Approximately 30 members of the Armed Islamic Group (AIG) attacked an
oil base, killing a French and an Italian worker.
23 October
Egypt
Assailants shot and killed a British tourist and wounded three others in
an attack on a bus near Luxor. The Islamic Group is believed responsible
for the attack.
11 December
Philippines
The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) claimed responsibility for an explosion
aboard a Philippine airliner. One Japanese citizen was killed, and at
least 10 others were injured.
12 December
Turkey
The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) is believed responsible for a bomb
blast outside a store in Istanbul, which injured eight persons,
including four Romanian tourists.
24 December
Algeria
Members of the Armed Islamic Group (AIG) hijacked an Air France flight
in Algeria. The plane arrived in Marseille, France, on 26 December. A
French antiterrorist unit stormed the plane, ending the 54-hour siege in
which three hostages were killed by the terrorists. All four terrorists
were killed during the rescue.
25 December
Israel
An American was among 12 persons injured when a HAMAS supporter carrying
a bag of explosives blew himself up at a West Jerusalem bus stop.
27 December
Algeria
The Armed Islamic Group (AIG) claimed responsibility for the murders of
four Catholic priests. The murders were apparently in retaliation for
the deaths of four GIA hijackers the previous day in Marseille.
Appendix B
Background Information on Major Groups Discussed in the Report
Abu Nidal organization (ANO) a.k.a.: Fatah Revolutionary Council,
Arab Revolutionary Council, Arab Revolutionary Brigades, Black
September, 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 over 90 terrorist attacks since 1974 in 20 countries,
killing or injuring almost 900 people. Targets include the United
States, the United Kingdom, France, Israel, 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
assassination on 14 January 1991 in Tunis of PLO deputy chief Abu Iyad
and PLO security chief Abu Hul. ANO members assassinated a Jordanian
diplomat in Lebanon in January 1994.
Strength
Several hundred plus ``militia'' in Lebanon and overseas support
structure.
Location/Area of Operation
Headquartered in Iraq (1974-83) and Syria (1983-87); currently
headquartered in Libya with substantial presence in Lebanon (in the
Bekaa Valley and 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.
Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)
Description
Islamic extremist group operating in the southern Philippines led by
Abdurajik Abubakar Janjalani. Split from the Moro National Liberation
Front in 1991.
Activities
The organization 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. The ASG is suspected
of mounting more than 60 terrorist attacks. Recent attacks have been
mounted in opposition to ongoing peace negotiations between Manila and
other Islamic groups.
Strength
About 200 members, mostly younger Muslims, many of whom have studied or
worked in the Gulf states, where they were exposed to radical Islamist
ideology.
Location/Area of Operation
The ASG operates almost exclusively on Mindanao Island, although it
bombed a light railway in Manila in 1993. A person purporting to be an
ASG member claimed responsibility for the midair bombing of a
Philippines Airlines jumbo jet flying from Manila to Tokyo in December
1994.
External Aid
Probably has ties to Islamic extremists in the Middle East.
Al-Fatah
a.k.a.: 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. The 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 Western Sector. Two of its
leaders, Abu Jihad and Abu Iyad, were assassinated in recent years.
Activities
In the 1960s 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 the Middle East in the early-to-middle 1970s. Arafat signed
the Declaration of Principles (DOP) with Israel in 1993 and renounced
terrorism and violence. There has been no authorized terrorist operation
since that time.
Strength
6,000 to 8,000.
Location/Area of Operation
Headquartered in Tunisia, with bases in Lebanon and other Middle East
countries.
External Aid
Has had close political and financial ties to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and
other moderate Gulf states. These relations were disrupted by the Gulf
crisis of 1990-91. Also 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.
Armed Islamic Group (AIG)
a.k.a. GIA
Description
An Islamic extremist group, the AIG aims to overthrow the secular
Algerian regime and replace it with an Islamic state. The AIG began its
violent activities following the ouster of President Bendjedid in early
1992 and the cancellation of elections, which the Islamic Salvation
Front was leading.
Activities
Frequent attacks against regime targetswparticularly security personnel
and government officialswcivilians, journalists, teachers, and foreign
residents. Since announcing its terrorist campaign against foreigners
living in Algeria in September 1993, the AIG has killed almost 90
expatriate men and womenwmostly Euro-peanswin the country. The AIG uses
assassinations and bombings, including car bombs, and it is known to
favor kidnapping victims and slitting their throats. In December 1994,
four AIG terrorists hijacked an Air France flight in Algiers and killed
three passengers before flying to Marseille, France, where French police
stormed the plane, killing the hijackers. Since 1992, between 10,000 and
35,000 people have died in Algerian violence.
Strength
Unknown, probably several hundred to several thousand.
Location
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.
Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia (ASALA)
a.k.a.: The Orly Group, 3rd October Organization
Description
Marxist-Leninist Armenian terrorist group formed in 1975 with stated
intention to compel the 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 International Airport in Paris in 1983, in which
eight persons were killed and 55 were wounded, led to split in group
over rationale for causing indiscriminate casualties. Suffering from
internal schisms, the group has been relatively inactive.
Strength
A few hundred members and sympathizers.
Location/Area of Operation
Lebanon, Western Europe, Armenia, the United States, and the 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.
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.
Activities
Chiefly bombings and assassinations of Spanish Government targets,
especially security forces. Since arrest of ETA members in France in
March 1992, ETA also has attacked French interests. Finances activities
through kidnappings, robberies, and extortion.
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 interests in Italy
and Germany and French interests in Italy.
External Aid
Has received training at various times in Libya, Lebanon, and Nicaragua.
Also appears to have close ties to PIRA.
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 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. Launched four rockets at the US
Army base at Camp Zama, near Tokyo, at the start of the G-7 Summit in
July 1993.
Strength
3,500.
Location/Area of Operation
Japan.
External Aid
None known.
CNPZ (see Nestor Paz Zamora Commission under National Liberation
Army [ELN]-Bolivia)
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.
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 such as the 1974 massacre in Ma'alot in
which 27 Israelis were killed and more than 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.
Devrimci Sol (Revolutionary Left)
a.k.a.: 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
Since the late 1980s, has concentrated attacks against current and
retired Turkish security and military officials. Began new campaign
against foreign interests in 1990. Protesting Gulf war, claimed
assassination of two US military contractors and attempted assassination
of a US Air Force officer. Launched rockets at US Consulate in Istanbul
in April and July 1992. Recent terrorist activities have been less
ambitious as Dev Sol works to recover from internal factionalism and
police raids that netted several operatives and large weapons caches.
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.
ELN (see National Liberation Army).
ETA (see Basque Fatherland and Liberty)
FARC (see Revolutionary Army Forces of Colombia)
Fatah (see Al-Fatah)
15 May Organization
Description
Formed in 1979 from remnants of Wadi Haddad's Popular Front for the
Liberation of PalestinevSpecial 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 responsibility for several bombings in the early-to-middle
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.
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.
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 East countries, and
Europe.
External Aid
PLO is main source of support.
FPM (see Morazanist Patriotic Front)
FPMR (see Manuel Rodriguez Patriotic Front)
Al-Gama'a al-Islamiyya(a.k.a.: The Islamic Group)
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 officials, Coptic
Christians, Western tourists, and Egyptian opponents of Islamic
extremism. It assassinated the speaker of the Egyptian assembly in
October 1990 and launched a series of attacks on tourists in Egypt in
1992. The group wounded the Egyptian Information Minister in an
assassination attempt in April 1993.
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.
HAMAS (Islamic Resistance Movement)
Description
HAMAS was formed in late 1987 as an outgrowth of the Palestinian branch
of the Muslim Brotherhood and has become Fatah's principal political
rival in the occupied territories. 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 has also 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-Qassam 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.
The Harakat-ul-Ansar (HUA)
Description
The Harakat-ul-Ansar (HUA)wan Islamic militant group that seeks
Kashmir's accession to Pakistanwraised its visibility by kidnapping two
British citizens in June. The HUA 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 Kahn, the group's objective is to continue the armed
struggle against nonbelievers and anti-Islamic forces.
Activities
This group recently has carried out a number of operations against
Indian troops and civilian targets in Kashmir. The HUA captured Lt. Col.
Bhobandar Singh in January and demanded that Indian forces turn over an
HUA commander in return for Singh's release. When Indian authorities
refused, the militants killed Singh. In mid-May, HUA militants conducted
two attacks in Doda district in which they stopped buses, forced the
passengers off, then singled out individuals for executionwthe last
victim was a 14-year-old Muslim boy. The HUA also supports Muslims in
Indian-controlled Kashmir with humanitarian and military assistance.
Strength
The Harakat-ul-Ansar has several thousand armed members located in Azad
Kashmir, Pakistan, and in the southern Kashmir Valley 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. The HUA is based in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan, and
is actively involved in supporting Muslims in Indian-controlled Kashmir
with humanitarian and military assistance. The HUA's Burma branch,
located in the Arakans, 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 is believed to come from sympathetic Arab
countries and wealthy Pakistanis and Kashmiris.
Hizballah (Party of God)
a.k.a.: 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 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. Group also hijacked TWA Flight 847 in 1985.
Elements of the group were responsible for the kidnapping and detention
of most, if not all, US and other Western hostages in Lebanon. Islamic
Jihad publicly claimed responsibility for the car-bombing of Israel's
Embassy in Buenos Aires in March 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.
Jamaat ul-Fuqra
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 they view as enemies of
Islam, including Muslims they regard as heretics, and Hindus. Several
Fuqra members were convicted in a Canadian court in late 1993 of
conspiracy to commit murderwa charge related to their plans to bomb a
Hindu temple and a Hindu-owned cinema in Torontowand Fuqra members in
the United States have also been convicted of criminal violations,
including murder and fraud. Attacks during the 1980s included
assassinations and firebombings across the United States.
Strength
Unknown.
Location/Area of Operation
North America, Pakistan.
External Aid
None.
Japanese Red Army (JRA)
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); may also have links to Antiwar Democratic Frontwan overt leftist
political organizationwinside 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 groupswbased and
operating outside Japanwsince its inception.
Activities
Before 1977, JRA carried out a series of brutal attacks over a 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-1960s, 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 and 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.
Jihad Group
a.k.a.: al-Jihad, Islamic Jihad, New Jihad Group, Vanguards of Conquest,
Talaa'al al-Fateh
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 new faction calling itself Vanguards of Conquest (Talaa'al al-Fateh or
the New Jihad Group), which appears to be led by Dr. Ayman al-Zawahiri,
who is currently outside Egypt, specific whereabouts unknown. In
addition to the Islamic Group, the Jihad factions regard Sheikh Omar
Abdel 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
The Jihad groups specialize in armed attacks against high-level Egyptian
Government officials. The original Jihad was responsible for the 1981
assassination of President Sadat. More recently, the newer Jihad group
led by Zawahiri claimed responsibility for the 18 August 1993 bomb
attack in Cairo, which wounded Egyptian Interior Minister Hassan al-Alfi
and killed five others, and the 25 November 1993 car-bomb attack in
Cairo on Prime Minister Sedky; although Sedky was unharmed, a teenage
girl was killed and 18 others were injured. Unlike the Islamic Groupw
which mainly targets mid- and lower-level security personnel, Coptic
Christians, and Western touristswthe Jihad group appears to concentrate
primarily on high-level, high-profile Egyptian Government officials,
including cabinet ministers. It also seems more technically
sophisticated in its attacks than the al-Gama'a al-Islamiyyawnotably in
its use of car bombs.
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.
Kach and Kahane Chai
Description
Stated goal of restoring 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 on 13 March 1994 by the Israeli Cabinet
under the 1948 Terrorism Law. This followed the groups' statements in
support of Dr. Baruch Goldstein's 25 February attack on the al-Ibrahimi
MosquewGoldstein was affiliated with Kachwand 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 wounded in 1993.
Strength
Unknown.
Location/Area of Operation
Israel and West Bank settlements, particularly Qiryat Arba in Hebron.
External Aid
Receives support from Jewish people in the United States and Europe.
Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)
a.k.a.: Kurdistan Workers' Party
Description
Marxist-Leninist insurgent group composed of Turkish Kurds established
in 1974. In recent years has moved beyond rural-based insurgent
activities to include urban terrorism. Seeks to set up an independent
Marxist state in southeastern Turkey, where there is a predominantly
Kurdish population.
Activities
Primary targets are Turkish Government forces and civilians in eastern
Turkey but becoming increasingly active in Western Europe against
Turkish targets. Conducted coordinated attacks on Turkish diplomatic and
commercial facilities in dozens of West European cities on 24 June and 4
November. In May 1993, began a campaign against Turkish tourism industry
and kidnapped 19 Western tourists traveling in eastern Turkey in summer
1993; released all unharmed. Also has bombed tourist sites and hotels.
Strength
Approximately 10,000 to 15,000 full-time guerrillas, 5,000 to 6,000 of
whom are in Turkey; 60,000 to 75,000 part-time guerrillas; and hundreds
of thousands of sympathizers in Turkey and Europe.
Location/Area of Operation
Operates in Turkey and Western Europe.
External Aid
Receives safehaven and modest aid from Syria, Iraq, and Iran.
Lautaro Youth Movement (MJL)
a.k.a.: 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. Became active in late 1980s,
but has been seriously weakened by government counterterrorist successes
in recent years.
Activities
Has been linked to assassinations of policemen, bank robberies, and
attacks on Mormon churches.
Strength
Unknown.
Location/Area of Operation
Chile; mainly Santiago.
External Aid
None.
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)
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 Tigers have 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 become commonplace and culminated in May
1993 with the fatal bombing of President Rana-singhe Premadasa. In April
1994, the Ellalan Force claimed credit for setting off three bombs at
major tourist hotels in Colombo.
Strength
Approximately 10,000 armed combatants in Sri Lanka; about 3,000 to 6,000
form a trained cadre of fighters. The LTTE also has a significant
overseas support structure for fundraising, weapons procurement, and
propaganda activities.
Location/Area of Operation
The Tigers control most of the northern and eastern coastal areas of Sri
Lanka but have 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.
Manuel Rodriguez Patriotic Front (FPMR)
Description
Original FPMR was founded in 1983 as armed wing of Chilean Communist
Party and named for hero of Chile's war of independence against Spain.
Group splintered into two factions in late 1980s, one of which became a
political party in 1991. The dissident wing FPMR/D is one of Chile's
most active terrorist groups.
Activities
The dissident wing (FPMR/D) frequently attacks civilians and
international targets, including US businesses and Mormon churches. In
1993, FPMR/D bombed two McDonalds restaurants and attempted to bomb a
Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant. Successful government
counterterrorist operations have significantly undercut organization.
Strength
Now believed to have fewer than 500 members.
Location/Area of Operation
Chile.
External Aid
None.
Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK or MKO)
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 MEKwled by
Masud Rajavi after 1978wconcluded that violence was the only way to
bring about change in Iran. Since then, the MEKwfollowing a philosophy
that mixes Marxism and Islamwhas 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. In 1979
the group supported the takeover of the US Embassy in Tehran. In April
1992, the MEK carried out nearly simultaneous attacks on Iranian
embassies in 13 different countries in North America, Europe, and the
Pacific Rim. The attacks caused extensive property damage and
demonstrated the group's ability to mount large-scale operations
overseas. Iran's belief that the MEK was responsible for the bombing of
the Mashhad Shrine and subsequent attacks against Iranian oil facilities
led Tehran in November 1994 to launch attacks against an MEK base.
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 terrorists 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.
MJL (see Lautaro Youth Movement)
Morazanist Patriotic Front (FPM)
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.
MRTA (see Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement)
National Liberation Army (ELN)wBolivia 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 past years but focused almost
exclusively on Bolivian domestic targets in 1993.
Strength
Unknown; probably fewer than 100.
Location/Area of Operation
Bolivia.
External Aid
None.
National Liberation Army (ELN)wColombia
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 since 1986.
Extortion and bombings against US and other foreign businesses,
especially the petroleum industry.
Strength
Has fallen off in recent years and now estimated at only about 700
combatants.
Location/Area of Operation
Colombia.
External Aid
None.
New People's Army (NPA)
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
The 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, drug traffickers, and other targets that evoked popular
anger. Has vowed to kill US citizens involved in counterinsurgency
campaign. Has assassinated 10 US military and private citizens since
1987. Has also attacked US businesses in rural areas that refused to pay
so-called revolutionary taxes.
Strength
16,000, plus support groups.
Location/Area of Operation
Philippines.
External Aid
Receives funding from overseas fundraisers in Western Europe and
elsewhere; also linked to Libya. Diverts some funding of humanitarian
aid.
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 it in 1991.
Activities
The Abu Abbasvled faction carried out abortive seaborne attack staged
from Libya against Israel on 30 May 1990. Abbas's group was 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 involved in the hijacking are
wanted elsewhere. Openly supported Iraq during 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 from
Libya and Iraq.
Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)
On 9 September 1993, in letters to Israeli Prime Minister Rabin and
Norwegian Foreign Minister Holst, PLO Chairman Arafat committed the PLO
to cease all violence and terrorism. On 13 September 1993, the
Declaration of Principles between the Israelis and Palestinians was
signed in Washington, DC. Between 9 September and 31 December, the PLO
factions loyal to Arafat complied with this commitment except for one,
perhaps two, instances in which the responsible individuals apparently
acted independently. Two groups under the PLO umbrella, the Popular
Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and the Democratic Front
for the Liberation of PalestinevHawatmeh faction (DFLP-H), suspended
their participation in the PLO in protest of the agreement and continued
their campaign of violence. The US Government continues to monitor
closely PLO compliance with its commitment to abandon terrorism and
violence.
Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ)
Description
The PIJ originated among militant Palestinian fundamentalists in the
Gaza Strip during the 1970s. The PIJ 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
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. The PIJ has threatened
to attack US interests in Jordan. PIJ agents were arrested in Egypt in
September 1991 while attempting to enter the country to conduct
terrorism.
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.
The Party of Democratic Kampuchea (Khmer Rouge)
Description
The Khmer Rouge is a 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 1million persons
were killed during its four years in power in the late 1970s.
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, including Westerners, traveling in remote rural areas.
Strength
The Khmer Rouge is made up of approximately 8,000 guerrillas.
Location/Area of Operation
The Khmer Rouge operates in outlying provinces in Cambodia, particularly
in pockets along the Thailand border.
External Aid
The Khmer Rouge is not currently receiving external assistance.
PKK (see Kurdistan Workers' Party)
Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)
Description
Marxist-Leninist group that is a member of the PLO founded in 1967 by
George Habash. After Fatah, it is the most important military and
political organization in the Palestinian movement. 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 between 1970 and
1977. Since the death in 1978 of Wadi Haddad, its terrorist planner,
PFLP has carried out numerous attacks against Israeli or moderate Arab
targets.
Strength
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.
Popular Front for the Liberation of PalestinevGeneral 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.
Popular Front for the Liberation of PalestinevSpecial Command
(PFLP-SC)
Description
Marxist-Leninist group formed by Abu Salim in 1979 after breaking away
from the now defunct PFLPvSpecial 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.
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. Group is internally divided
over the Declaration of Principles signed in 1993.
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.
Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA)
a.k.a.: 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 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. Targets
senior British Government officials, British military and police in
Northern Ireland, and Northern Irish Loyalist paramilitary groups.
PIRA's operations on mainland Britain have included truck bombings and
bombing campaigns against train and subway stations and shopping areas.
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. Similarities in operations suggest links to ETA.
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. With decline of
world Communism, has had trouble recruiting replacements for jailed
members. Now concentrating on domestic targets, particularly officials
involved in German or European unification and German security and
justice officials. Carried out one operation in 1993, destroying a new
prison with at least 400 pounds of commercial explosives. Police
shootout with two members ended in death of GSG-9 officer and group
member Wolfgang Grams. Group temporarily galvanized afterward. RAF has
targeted US and NATO facilities in the past. During the Gulf war, RAF
shot up US Embassy in Bonn with assault rifle rounds. There were no
casualties.
Strength
10 to 20, plus several hundred supporters.
Location/Area of Operations
Germany.
External Aid
Self-sustaining, but during Baader-Meinhof period received support from
Middle Eastern terrorists. East Germany gave logistic support,
sanctuary, and training during the 1980s.
Red Brigades (BR)
Description
Formed in 1969, the Marxist-Leninist BR seeks to create a revolutionary
state through armed struggle and to separate Italy from the Western
Alliance. In 1984 split into two factions: the Communist Combatant Party
(BR-PCC) and the Union of Combatant Communists (BR-UCC).
Activities
Original group concentrated on assassination and kidnapping of Italian
Government and private-sector targets; it murdered former Prime Minister
Aldo Moro in 1978, kidnapped US Army Brig. Gen. James Dozier in 1981,
and claimed responsibility for murdering Leamon Hunt, US chief of the
Sinai Multinational Force and Observer Group, in 1984.
Strength
Probably fewer than 50, plus an unknown number of supporters.
Location/Area of Operation
Based and operates in Italy. Some members probably living clandestinely
in other European countries.
External Aid
Currently unknown; original group apparently was self-sustaining but
probably received weapons from other West European terrorist groups and
from the PLO.
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)
Description
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.
Activities
Armed attacks against Colombian political and military targets. Many
members have become criminals, 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 4,500 to 5,500 armed combatants and an unknown number of
supporters, mostly in rural areas.
Location/Area of Operation
Colombia.
External Aid
None.
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 European Union (EU).
Organization is obscure, possibly affiliated with other Greek terrorist
groups.
Activities
Initial attacks were selected handgun assassinations of senior US
officials, including US Embassy official Richard Welch in 1975 and US
Navy Capt. 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 targets to include EU
facilities and foreign firms investing in Greece and added improvised
rocket attacks to its methods. Such an attack against the Greek Finance
Minister in 1992 killed a passer-by, 17 November's first ``civilian''
casualty. 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
attacked two Turkish Embassy officials in 1991.
Strength
Unknown, but presumed to be small.
Location/Area of Operation
Greece, primarily in Athens metropolitan area.
External Aid
May receive support from other Greek terrorist group cadres.
Sendero Luminoso (Shining Path, SL)
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, defections,
and President Fujimori's amnesty program for repentant terrorists.
Activities
SL engages in particularly brutal forms of terrorism, including the
indiscriminate use of car bombs. Almost every institution in Peru has
been a target of SL violence. Has bombed diplomatic missions of several
countries represented in Peru. Carries out bombing campaigns and
selective assassinations. 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
Originally rural based, but has increasingly focused its terrorist
attacks in the capital.
External Aid
None.
17 November (see Revolutionary Organization 17 November)
Sikh Terrorism
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. Sikh violence outside India, which
surged following the Indian Army's 1984 assault on the Golden Temple,
Sikhism's holiest shrine, has decreased significantly since mid-1992,
although Sikh militant cells are active internationally and extremists
gather funds from overseas Sikh communities. 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. Sikh extremists probably bombed the Air India
jet downed over the Irish Sea in June 1985, killing 329 passengers and
crew. On the same day, a bomb planted by Sikhs on an Air India flight
from Vancouver exploded in Tokyo's Narita Airport, killing two Japanese
baggage handlers. In 1991, Sikh terrorists attempted to assassinate the
Indian Ambassador in Romania once India's senior police officer in
Punjab from 1986 to 1989 and kidnapped and held the Romanian Charge in
New Delhi for seven weeks. In January 1993, Indian police arrested Sikhs
in New Delhi as they were conspiring to detonate a bomb to disrupt
India's Republic Day, and, in September 1993, Sikh militants attempted
to assassinate the Sikh chief of the ruling Congress Party's youth wing
with a bomb. Sikh attacks in India, ranging from kidnappings and
assassinations to remote-controlled bombings, have dropped markedly
since mid-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 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.
Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA)
Description
Traditional Marxist-Leninist revolutionary movement formed in 1983.
Currently struggling to remain viable. Has suffered from defections and
government counter-terrorist successes in addition to infighting and
loss of leftist support. Objective remains to rid Peru of
``imperialism'' and establish Marxist regime.
Activities
Bombings, kidnappings, ambushes, assassinations. Previously responsible
for large number of anti-US attacks; recent activity has dropped off
dramatically.
Strength
Unknown; greatly diminished in recent years.
Location/Area of Operation
Peru; provided assistance in Bolivia to Bolivian ELN.
External Aid
None.
Tupac Katari Guerrilla Army (EGTK)
Description
Indigenous, anti-Western Bolivian subversive organization.
Activities
Frequently attacks small, unprotected targets, such as power pylons, oil
pipelines, and government offices. Has targeted Mormon churches with
firebombings and attacked USAID motorpool in January 1993.
Strength
Fewer than 100.
Location/Area of Operation
Bolivia, primarily the Chapare region, near the Peru border, and the
Altiplano.
External Aid
None.
Appendix C
Statistical Review
Appendix D
International Terrorist Incidents, 1994
[Editorbs Note: Appendixes C and D are not available in this electronic
version of the report]
Department of State Publication 10239
Office of the Secretary
Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism
[END OF PATTERNS OF GLOBAL TERRORISM, 1994]