Kach* and Kahane Chai*
Description
Stated goal is to restore the biblical state of Israel. Kach
(founded by radical Israeli-American Rabbi Meir Kahane) and its
offshoot Kahane Chai, which means "Kahane Lives" (founded by
Meir Kahane's son Binyamin following his father's assassination
in the United States), were declared to be terrorist
organizations in March 1994 by the Israeli Cabinet under the
1948 Terrorism Law. This followed the groups' statements in
support of Dr. Baruch Goldstein's attack in February 1994 on the
al-Ibrahimi Mosque--Goldstein was affiliated with Kach--and
their verbal attacks on the Israeli Government.
Activities
Organize protests against the Israeli Government. Harass and
threaten Palestinians in Hebron and the West Bank. Groups have
threatened to attack Arabs, Palestinians, and Israeli Government
officials. They also claimed responsibility for several shooting
attacks on West Bank Palestinians in which four persons were
killed and two were wounded in 1993.
Strength
Unknown.
Location/Area of Operation
Israel and West Bank settlements, particularly Qiryat Arba' in
Hebron.
External Aid
Receives support from sympathizers in the United States and
Europe.
Khmer Rouge (see The Party of Democratic Kampuchea)
Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)*
Description
Established in 1974 as a Marxist-Leninist insurgent group
primarily composed of Turkish Kurds. In recent years has moved
beyond rural-based insurgent activities to include urban
terrorism. Seeks to set up an independent Kurdish state in
southeastern Turkey, where there is a predominantly Kurdish
population.
Activities
Primary targets are Turkish Government security forces in Turkey
but also has been active in Western Europe against Turkish
targets. Conducted attacks on Turkish diplomatic and commercial
facilities in dozens of West European cities in 1993 and again
in spring 1995. In an attempt to damage Turkey's tourist
industry, the PKK has bombed tourist sites and hotels and
kidnapped foreign tourists.
Strength
Approximately 10,000 to 15,000 guerrillas. Has thousands of
sympathizers in Turkey and Europe.
Location/Area of Operation
Operates in Turkey, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
External Aid
Receives safehaven and modest aid from Syria, Iraq, and Iran.
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. The group's
elite Black Tiger squad conducts suicide bombings against
important targets, and all rank-and-file members carry a cyanide
capsule to kill themselves rather than allow themselves to be
caught. The LTTE is very insular and highly organized with its
own intelligence service, naval element (the Sea Tigers), and
women's political and military wings.
Activities
The LTTE has integrated a battlefield insurgent strategy with a
terrorist program that targets key government and military
personnel, the economy, and public infrastructure. Political
assassinations include the suicide bomber attacks against Sri
Lankan President Ranasinghe Premadasa in 1993 and Indian Prime
Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991, which is the group's only known
act outside Sri Lanka. The LTTE has detonated two massive truck
bombs directed against the Sri Lankan economy, one at the
Central Bank in January 1996 and another at the Colombo World
Trade Center in October 1997. The LTTE also has attacked several
ships in Sri Lankan waters, including foreign commercial vessels
and infrastructure targets such as commuter trains, buses, oil
tanks, and power stations. The LTTE prefers to attack vulnerable
government facilities then withdraw before reinforcements
arrive, or to time its attacks to take advantage of security
lapses on holidays, at night, or in the early morning.
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 Wanni region, 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.
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 bombmaking 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.
Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF)
Description
Extremist terrorist group formed in 1996 as a splinter of the
mainstream Loyalist Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF). Seeks to
subvert a political settlement with Irish nationalists in
Northern Ireland by attacking Catholic politicians, civilians,
and Protestant politicians who endorse the Northern Ireland
peace process. Comprised of hardliners formerly associated with
the UVF. Billy "King Rat" Wright, LVF founder and leader, was
assassinated on 27 December by members of the Irish National
Liberation Army (INLA), a Republican terrorist fringe group.
Activities
Bombings, kidnappings, and close-quarter shooting attacks. LVF
bombs often contain Powergel commercial explosives, typical of
many Loyalist groups. LVF attacks are particularly vicious: LVF
terrorists killed an 18-year-old Catholic girl in July 1997
because she had a Protestant boyfriend and went on a killing
spree, murdering Catholic civilians with no political or
terrorist affiliations, following Billy Wright's assassination.
The LVF also has carried out successful attacks against Irish
targets in Irish border towns.
Strength
The British press speculates about 500 activists.
Location/Area of Operation
Northern Ireland, Ireland
External Aid
None.
Manuel Rodriguez Patriotic Front (FPMR)*
Description
Originally the FPMR was founded in 1983 as the armed wing of the
Chilean Communist Party and was named for the hero of Chile's
war of independence against Spain. The group splintered into two
factions in the late 1980s, and one faction became a political
party in 1991. The dissident wing FPMR/D is Chile's only
remaining active terrorist group.
Activities
FPMR/D attacks civilians and international targets, including US
businesses and Mormon churches. In 1993, FPMR/D bombed two
McDonald's restaurants and attempted to bomb a Kentucky Fried
Chicken restaurant. Successful government counterterrorist
operations have significantly undercut the organization. Four
FPMR members staged an escape from prison using a helicopter,
however, in December 1996.
Strength
Now believed to have between 50 and 100 members.
Location/Area of Operation
Chile.
External Aid
None.
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), Muslim Iranian Student's
Society (front organization used to garner financial support)
Description
Formed in the 1960s by the college-educated children of Iranian
merchants, the MEK sought to counter what is perceived as
excessive Western influence in the Shah's regime. In the 1970s,
the MEK concluded that violence was the only way to bring about
change in Iran. Since then, the MEK--following a philosophy that
mixes Marxism and Islam--has developed into the largest and most
active armed Iranian dissident group. Its history is studded
with anti-Western activity and, most recently, attacks on the
interests of the clerical regime in Iran and abroad.
Activities
The MEK directs a worldwide campaign against the Iranian
Government that stresses propaganda and occasionally uses
terrorist violence. During the 1970s, the MEK staged terrorist
attacks inside Iran to destabilize and embarrass the Shah's
regime; the group killed several US military personnel and
civilians working on defense projects in Tehran. The group also
supported the takeover in 1979 of the US Embassy in Tehran. In
April 1992 the MEK carried out attacks on Iranian embassies in
13 different countries, demonstrating the group's ability to
mount large-scale operations overseas.
Strength
Several thousand fighters based in Iraq with an extensive
overseas support structure. Most of the fighters are organized
in the MEK's National Liberation Army (NLA).
Location/Area of Operation
In the 1980s the MEK's leaders were forced by Iranian security
forces to flee to France. Most resettled in Iraq by 1987. Since
the mid-1980s, the MEK has not mounted terrorist operations in
Iran at a level similar to its activities in the 1970s. Aside
from the National Liberation Army's attacks into Iran toward the
end of the Iran-Iraq war, and occasional NLA cross-border
incursions since, the MEK's attacks on Iran have amounted to
little more than harassment. The MEK has had more success in
confronting Iranian representatives overseas through propaganda
and street demonstrations.
External Aid
Beyond support from Iraq, the MEK uses front organizations to
solicit contributions from expatriate Iranian communities.
MRTA (see Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement)
National Liberation Army (ELN)--Colombia*
Description
Rural-based, anti-US, Maoist-Marxist-Leninist guerrilla group
formed in 1963. Attempted peace talks with the government ended
in May 1992.
Activities
Periodically kidnaps foreign employees of large corporations and
holds them for large ransom payments. Conducts frequent assaults
on oil infrastructure and has inflicted major damage on
pipelines. Extortion and bombings against US and other foreign
businesses, especially the petroleum industry. Forces coca and
opium poppy cultivators to pay protection money and attacks the
government's efforts to eradicate these crops.
Strength
At least 3,000 combatants.
Location/Area of Operation
Colombia, border regions of Venezuela.
External Aid
None.
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
NPA is in disarray because of a split in the CPP, a lack of
money, and successful government operations. With the US
military gone from the country, NPA has engaged in urban
terrorism against the police, corrupt politicians, and drug
traffickers.
Strength
Estimated at several thousand.
Location/Area of Operation
Philippines, primarily Manila.
External Aid
Unknown.
The Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ)*
Description
The PIJ, which originated among militant Palestinians in the
Gaza Strip during the 1970s, is a series of loosely affiliated
factions rather than a cohesive group. The PIJ is committed to
the creation of an Islamic Palestinian state and the destruction
of Israel through holy war. Because of its strong support for
Israel, the United States has been identified as an enemy of the
PIJ. The PIJ also opposes moderate Arab governments that it
believes have been tainted by Western secularism.
Activities
PIJ militants have threatened to retaliate against Israel and
the United States for the murder of PIJ leader Fathi Shaqaqi in
Malta in October 1995. It has carried out suicide bombing
attacks against Israeli targets in the West Bank, Gaza Strip,
and Israel. The PIJ has threatened to attack US interests in
Jordan.
Strength
Unknown.
Location/Area of Operation
Primarily Israel and the occupied territories and other parts of
the Middle East, including Jordan and Lebanon. The largest
faction is based in Syria.
External Aid
Receives financial assistance from Iran and limited assistance
from Syria.
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 Abbas-led faction has carried out attacks against
Israel. Abbas's group was also responsible for the attack in
1985 on the cruise ship Achille Lauro and the murder of US
citizen Leon Klinghoffer. A warrant for Abu Abbas's arrest is
outstanding in Italy.
Strength
At least 50.
Location/Area of Operation
PLO faction based in Tunisia until Achille Lauro attack. Now
based in Iraq.
External Aid
Receives support mainly from Iraq, has received support from
Libya in the past.
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 1 million persons were killed during its four
years in power in the late 1970s. Although there have been large-
scale defections from the Khmer Rouge to Cambodian Government
forces since 1996, and the group suffered a significant split in
1997, it still may be considered dangerous.
Activities
The Khmer Rouge now is engaged in a low-level insurgency against
the Cambodian Government. Although its victims are mainly
Cambodian villagers, the Khmer Rouge has occasionally kidnapped
and killed foreigners traveling in remote rural areas.
Strength
One to two thousand.
Location/Area of Operation
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 founded in 1967 by George Habash as a
member of the PLO. Joined the Alliance of Palestinian Forces
(APF) to oppose the Declaration of Principles signed in 1993 and
has suspended participation in the PLO. Broke away from the APF,
along with the DFLP, in 1996 over ideological differences. Has
made limited moves toward merging with the DFLP since the mid-
1990s.
Activities
Committed numerous international terrorist attacks during the
1970s. Since 1978, PFLP has carried out numerous attacks against
Israeli or moderate Arab targets, including the killing of a
settler and her son in December 1996.
Strength
Some 800.
Location/Area of Operation
Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and the occupied territories.
External Aid
Receives most of its financial and military assistance from
Syria and Libya.
Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command
(PFLP-GC)*
Description
Split from the PFLP in 1968, claiming that it wanted to focus
more on fighting and less on politics. Violently opposed to
Arafat's PLO. Led by Ahmad Jibril, a former captain in the
Syrian Army. Closely tied to both Syria and Iran.
Activities
Has carried out numerous cross-border terrorist attacks into
Israel using unusual means, such as hot-air balloons and
motorized hang gliders.
Strength
Several hundred.
Location/Area of Operation
Headquartered in Damascus, bases in Lebanon, and cells in Europe.
External Aid
Receives logistic and military support from Syria and its
financial support from Iran.
Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA), (see Irish Republican
Army)
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC)*
Description
The largest, best trained, and best equipped guerrilla
organization in Colombia. Established in 1966 as military wing
of Colombian Communist Party. Goal is to overthrow government
and ruling class. Organized along military lines; includes at
least one urban front. Has been anti-US since its inception.
Activities
Armed attacks against Colombian political and military targets.
Many members pursue criminal activities, carrying out
kidnappings for profit and bank robberies. Foreign citizens
often are targets of FARC kidnappings. Group traffics in drugs
and has well-documented ties to narcotraffickers.
Strength
Approximately 7,000 armed combatants and an unknown number of
supporters, mostly in rural areas.
Location/Area of Operation
Colombia, with occasional operations in Venezuela, Panama, and
Ecuador.
External Aid
None.
Revolutionary Organization 17 November (17 November)*
Description
A radical leftist group established in 1975 and named for the
November 1973 student uprising in Greece protesting the military
regime. The group is anti-Greek establishment, anti-United
States, anti-Turkey, anti-NATO; committed to the ouster of US
bases, removal of Turkish military presence from Cyprus, and
severing of Greece's ties to NATO and the European Union (EU).
Organization is obscure, possibly affiliated with other Greek
terrorist groups.
Activities
Initial attacks were assassinations of senior US officials and
Greek public figures. Added bombings in 1980s. Since 1990, has
expanded targets to include EU facilities and foreign firms
investing in Greece and has added improvised rocket attacks to
its methods.
Strength
Unknown, but presumed to be small.
Location/Area of Operation
Athens, Greece.
External Aid
Unknown.
Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C)* a.k.a.:
Devrimci Sol (Revolutionary Left), Dev Sol
Description
Originally formed in 1978 as Devrimci Sol, or Dev Sol, it was a
splinter faction of the Turkish People's Liberation Party/Front.
Renamed in 1994 after factional infighting, it still espouses a
Marxist ideology and is virulently anti-United States and anti-
NATO. The group finances its activities chiefly through armed
robberies and extortion.
Activities
Since the late 1980s, has concentrated attacks against current
and retired Turkish security and military officials. Began a new
campaign against foreign interests in 1990. Protesting the Gulf
war, it assassinated two US military contractors and wounded a
US Air Force officer. Launched rockets at US Consulate in
Istanbul in 1992. Assassinated prominent Turkish businessman in
early 1996, which was its first significant terrorist act as
DHKP/C.
Strength
Unknown.
Location/Area of Operation
Carries out attacks in Turkey, primarily in Istanbul, Ankara,
Izmir, and Adana. Conducts fundraising operations in Western
Europe.
External Aid
Unknown.
Revolutionary People's Struggle (ELA)*
Description
An extreme leftist group that developed out of the opposition to
the military junta that ruled Greece from 1967 to 1974. Formed
in 1971, the ELA is a self-described revolutionary, anti-
capitalist, and anti-imperialist group, which has declared its
opposition to "imperialist domination, exploitation, and
oppression." The ELA is strongly anti-United States and seeks
the removal of US military forces from Greece.
Activities
Since 1974, the group has carried out bombings against Greek
Government and economic targets as well as US military and
business facilities. In 1986, the group stepped up attacks on
Greek Government and commercial interests. In November 1990, a
raid on a safehouse revealed a weapons cache and direct contacts
with other Greek terrorist groups, including 1 May and
Revolutionary Solidarity. During 1991, ELA and 1 May claimed
joint responsibility for more than 20 bombings. Greek police
believe they have established a link between the ELA and the
Revolutionary Organization 17 November.
Strength
Unknown.
Location/Area of Operation
Greece.
External Aid
No known foreign sponsors.
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 in 1995, defections, and
President Fujimori's amnesty program for repentant terrorists.
Activities
Has engaged in particularly brutal forms of terrorism, including
the indiscriminate use of bombs. Almost every institution in
Peru has been a target of SL violence. Has bombed diplomatic
missions of several countries in Peru, including the US Embassy.
Carries out bombing campaigns and selective assassinations. Has
attacked US businesses since its inception. Involved in cocaine
trade.
Strength
Approximately 1,500 to 2,500 armed militants; larger number of
supporters, mostly in rural areas.
Location/Area of Operation
Rural based, with some terrorist attacks in the capital.
External Aid
None.
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 terroritory. Active groups
include Babbar Khalsa, International Sikh Youth Federation, Dal
Khalsa, Bhinderanwala Tiger Force. A previously unknown group,
the Saheed Khalsa Force, claimed credit for the marketplace
bombings in New Delhi in 1997.
Activities
Sikh attacks in India are mounted against Indian officials and
facilities, other Sikhs, and Hindus; they include
assassinations, bombings, and kidnappings. These attacks have
dropped markedly since 1992, as Indian security forces have
killed or captured a host of senior Sikh militant leaders and
scored other successes against extremist groups. Many low-
intensity bombings that might be attributable to Sikh extremists
now occur without claims of credit.
Strength
Unknown.
Location/Area of Operation
Northern India, Western Europe, Southeast Asia, and North
America.
External Aid
Silk militant cells are active internationally, and extremists
gather funds from overseas Sikh communities. Sikh expatriates
have formed a variety of international organizations that lobby
for the Sikh cause overseas. Most prominent are the World Sikh
Organization and the International Sikh Youth Federation.
Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA)*
Description
Traditional Marxist-Leninist revolutionary movement formed in
1983. Objective remains to rid Peru of imperialism and establish
Marxist regime. Has suffered from defections and government
counterterrorist successes in addition to infighting and loss of
leftist support.
Activities
Bombings, kidnappings, ambushes, and assassinations. Previously
responsible for large number of anti-US attacks; recent activity
has dropped off dramatically. Most members have been jailed.
Nevertheless, in December 1996, 14 MRTA members took over the
Japanese Ambassador's residence in Lima during a diplomatic
reception, capturing hundreds of hostages. Government forces
stormed the residence in April, rescuing all but one of the
remaining hostages.
Strength
Believed to have roughly 100 remaining members.
Location/Area of Operation
Peru.
External Aid
None.