The Origin of the Name "Ezan"

The name "Ezan" was given to me by my father whose entire family was masacred during the Ottoman Turkish genocide of the Armenians from 1915 to 1922. The name comes from an Armenian revolutionary fight song whose refrain goes something like this: "Ezan-e-veraj, arach, arach". That means, "To arms!, Revenge! Forward!, Forward!". My father belonged to an Armenian regiment of the French Foreign Legion and fought the Turks in Palestine. He later joined the Armenian Revolutionary Federation which helped create the Independent Republic of Armenia until the Soviet Union annexed it as part of the Soviet Union in 1921.

I am a retired Supervisory Customs Inspector from the Eastern Great Lakes Field Office located in Buffalo, NY. I have served as Supervisor of the Contraband Enforcement Team, District Administrative Supervisor, Station Supervisor in Charge at Niagara Falls and Buffalo, NY, Supervisor of Customs Training for the Buffalo District, Supervisor in Charge of the Summer Inspector Program, Bomb Threat and Terrorist Threat Coordinator and Co-Cordinator of the Eastern Great Lakes Intelligence Collection Analysis Team. In 1983, I participated in the establishment of the Customs Behavioral Analysis Program and have lectured on "behavioral Analysis and Observational Techniques" to law enforcement agencies and as a contractor, tc countries overseas. I am currently a Contract Special Investigator for the United States Government doing bacground /security investigations.

The Cradle Beach Spirit

THE EMBODYMENT OF THE “SPIRIT OF CRADLE BEACH CAMP”


I was 14 years old when I first met this young 21 year old counselor at Cradle Beach Camp. After five years as a camper, I was actually able to become a Pioneer Camper (PC) at Cradle Beach. Pioneer Campers were the 14, 15, and 16 year olds who worked in the kitchen, served and fed the handicapped children and helped out in many other ways. Cradle Beach Camp is perhaps the only camp in the United States that integrates well kids (mainly from the inner city) and physically disadvantaged children into a full program of joint activities. Jack Anthony was my first PC counselor. In my life, that summer was one of the most memorable ones that I have ever had.

I had originally been sent to Cradle Beach as a nine year old. I had been growing up as a rough and tough kid on the west side of Buffalo. Growing up there kind of made you that way. As a youngster, the quickest way to resolve a disagreement was to get into a fist fight and win. I had many at P.S. 76 when some kids would poke fun at my name. Although the Butler Mitchell Boys Club was nearby, Cradle Beach was a Godsend for me. Meeting Jack Anthony and having him as my counselor changed my attitude and life forever.

This tall athletic looking young man could relate to campers of all races, ethnic origins, social strata and physical handicaps. Our cabin of 14 was mixed with well and handicapped PC’s. Black and white kids got along well. Jack saw to that.

One day, in the afternoon during a “rest hour”, a fellow PC made some comment to me that I did not like. I jumped on his bed and was ready to punch him when I heard a voice call out my name. It was my counselor, Jack Anthony. His voice stopped me from fighting. Jack escorted me to the counselor’s room and proceeded to give me a lecture on the unacceptable use of violence to resolve conflicts. He did it in such an unassuming way that made me realize what a sincere, dedicated counselor this man was.

As time went on, Jack eventually became the Director of the camp and I served on his staff for many years. Jack’s directorship lasted for over 35 years. Jack Anthony’s tutelage both as a counselor and Camp Director has benefited so many campers in so many ways that will never be forgotten. What is known as the “Cradle beach Spirit” is embodied in Jack. That spirit is one that says regardless of your physical or social handicap, life does have something to offer you. Jack taught campers that life’s challenges can be met and overcome with a little patience, understanding, and taking pride in who you are, regardless of perceived handicaps.

The Counselors staff all had to meet Jack’s high expectation and standards in dealing with the campers. This was no ordinary camp. The counselors were taught how to deal with those campers who were physically handicapped. They were made aware of the challenge of dealing with the kids from the inner city. In the end, it all came together with two weeks of fun and sunshine. It was all for the kids.

There were campers in wheel chairs and well kids playing baseball, black and white campers being buddies at swim time, campers learning that they could do things that they never dreamed of doing before such as making things in the craft, hobby and woodshop.

Those few campers who had a hard time adjusting would be counseled by Jack and more often than not, return to their cabin with a positive attitude.

The atmosphere created by Jack Anthony was pervasive enough to influence so many campers who initially may have come to Cradle Beach with a bad attitude towards life, but left with a positive feeling not only about themselves but what they could accomplish in their future. If there were more Jack Anthony’s in the world today, then perhaps we could truly find peace on earth, good will to men.

My grandchildren are (Left to right) Adam, Adrik, Austin and Ava.

Identifying Suspicious Behavior

Identifying Suspicious Behavior
Ezan Bagdasarian

The potential terrorist threat to American business’, large or small is real and cannot rely solely on private security forces or local law enforcement to protect them from possible terrorist actions. In our current environment, it has become imperative that employees be cognizant of potential terrorist activity and targeting methods. Recognition of an impending terrorist threat is crucial. Sometimes, we are not aware of what is in front of us and the potential danger that exists. Be aware of your surroundings and what doesn’t fit into that surroundings and seems out of place.

One of the most effective methods used to identify suspicious behavior is the use of observational techniques. This method employs broadly based principles that attempt to determine the credibility of actions of the individual being observed.

Many of us have had an occasion where, when talking to someone, either socially or on-the-job, you sense that the person is lying to you or acting suspiciously. Even though what the person is saying sounds like the truth, you know they are lying. Chances are that in those situations you are unconsciously noting a mannerism or changes of some sort that is causing your suspicions.

I will focus primarily upon those methods you can use to determine the legitimacy and credibility of an individual whom you feel may be acting suspicious or in an unusual manner. Using these primary concepts will significantly assist you in identifying those individuals whose behavior appears to be out of the norm. I will attempt to provide you with the basic tools to:

1. Define the concept of observational techniques and suspicious behavior.

2. Understand some of the actions that might indicate that an individual is acting suspiciously.

3. Having some basic knowledge of the terrorist and their behavior, identify those individuals that appear to be high-risk by applying the fundamentals of observational techniques and behavioral symptom analysis.


The following is very general targeting intelligence of a terrorist. Because of its limited nature, it should only arouse suspicion when used in conjunction with other articulable facts -

Initial observations of suspicious behavior.

(1) Suitability of whether he fits into the given environment. The appropriateness of clothing, briefcase, package and luggage

(2) Characteristics of companions, if any.

Age: Usually in the 18-35 year range

(3) Sex: Male or female

(4) Appearance: Well dressed or casual

(5) Finances: Uses cash, not credit cards

(6) Travel status:

(a) Usually travels singly or in pairs

(b) If two persons of different sexes travel together, they often pose as husband and wife

(c) Rarely travels with children

(d) Joins tour groups after beginning of tour


Appearance and Behavior:

Does the individual’s clothing and dress fit the environment? If a person is wearing a heavy coat when the weather is warm, does that person have something underneath his garment that he doesn’t want detected?
What type of person do you normally encounter in your work environment at any particular time of day, day of week or time of year?

How is the average employee dressed? How is the person you suspect as being a terrorist dressed?

Why is the person there? Can he articulate his reason for being at your work site? If you engage in a conversation, does this person articulate his profession or work status? Does it make sense?

What is this person’s relationship to employees or management?

Identifying Suspicious Behavior II

Identifying Suspicious Behavior II


Body gestures should be observed. Stress is an uncontrollable instinct and when under stress, a person cannot control their own bodily reactions. The terrorist may be under stress and stress causes involuntary physiological changes which may cause:

1. An increase in heart rate and blood pressure (the carotid artery shows fast pulsation).
2. Increase breathing (breathing fast and/or taking several deep breaths.).
3. Dilating pupils (eyes expanded)
4. Dry mouth.


Some visual Observations of Stress:

1. Face turns red
2. Refuses eye contact
3. Frowning
4. rubbing or touching nose
5. smoothing mustache
6. unusual sweating
7. squinting
8. exaggerated movements – can’t stand still, wandering around
9. Clutching of a package or briefcase.
10. tapping of shoes.
11. Grooming or smoothing hair
12. Scratching repeatedly
13. Protects throat area with hands
14. Yawning
15. Rubbing of hands


Some Auditory Observations:

1. Stuttering
2. hesitancy of speech
3. Deep sighs
4. Repeatedly clears throat
5. cracking voice
6. teeth grinding
7. if asked a question, inability to answer

A brief History of Terrorism

History of Terrorism
By: Ezan Bagdasarian

From mankind’s beginning, terrorism has been practiced throughout history and throughout the world. A general definition of terrorism would be the “systematic use of terror or unpredictable violence against governments, public officials, or individuals to attain a political objective”. Terrorism has been used by political organizations with both rightist and leftist objectives, by nationalistic and ethnic groups, by revolutionaries, and by the armies and secret police of governments themselves. In the early days of civilization with the establishment of city states and kingdoms, some of the ruling elite would govern their territory by using fear and retribution against those of their domain who would dare to defy the ruler’s absolute authority. As nations and kingdoms grew, they would inflict terrorist tactics on their neighboring kingdoms to gain expansion and dominance. Leveling towns and villages to the ground, pillaging and raping would be one of the most successful methods of early terrorism. Attila the Hun was very successful in these types of tactics. Near the demise of the Roman Empire, he had the Romans fearful of the pillaging and plunder they would expect if they did not pay retribution to the mighty Hun. For decades, the Byzantine Empire would pay retribution to the Huns, Goths and Vandals in order to keep them from terrorizing their empire. This extortion, the threat of the use of terrorism, proved to be successful for these groups. The ancient Greek historian Xenophan (c. 431–c. 350 BC) wrote of the effectiveness of psychological warfare against enemy populations. Roman emperors such as Tiberius (reigned AD 14–37) and Caligula (reigned AD 37–41) used banishment, expropriation of property, and execution as means to discourage opposition to their rule.

In 48 A.D., the Zealots, a Jewish sect used terrorist tactics to force insurrection against the Romans in Judea. They used assassins (dagger-men), who would infiltrate Roman-controlled cities and stab Jewish collaborators or Roman legionnaires with a dagger called a sica. They would kidnap members of the Staff of the Temple Guard to hold for ransom and also use poison on a large scale. Their justification for killing of other Jews was that these killings demonstrated the consequences of the immorality of collaborating with the Roman invaders, and that the Romans were not capable of protecting their Jewish collaborators.

The Spanish Inquisition used arbitrary arrest, torture, and execution to punish what it viewed as religious heresy. The use of terror was openly advocated by Robespierre as a means of encouraging revolutionary virtue during the French Revolution, leading to the period of his political dominance called the Reign of Terror (1793–94). After the American Civil War (1861–65) defiant Southerners formed a terrorist organization called the Ku Klux Klan to intimidate supporters of Reconstruction. In the latter half of the 19th century, terrorism was adopted by adherents of anarchism in Western Europe, Russia, and the United States. They believed that the best way to effect revolutionary political and social change was to assassinate persons in positions of power. Over the past 150 years, many government officials, kings and other political leaders have been killed by terrorist guns or bombs.

Terrorism differs from conventional warfare. In a conventional war, Soldiers fight on the field of battle with accepted military rules of war. The Geneva Convention established the do’s and don’ts of war. Nations that signed that agreement were expected to abide by the rules. In contrast, terrorists fight their wars by targeting the civilian population, government buildings and public officials. History shows us that the terrorist does not abide by any accepted conventional rules of warfare. History also illustrates that most of the countries that succumbed to terrorism were countries that were on the decline after a period of military and economic strength and a bureaucracy relatively free from corruption.

The Roman Empire, at their zenith, could defeat their enemies mercilessly whether they were terrorist or conventional armies. Once the Empire was on the decline militarily, morally and with bureaucratic corruption, they began to succumb to the demands of terrorist groups such as the Huns, Vandals, Goths and Visigoths. The same occurred with the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantine’s were able to deter the terrorist Huns, Goths and Vandals until the Empire became weak by their own inner corruption and ultimately gave in to the terrorist demands of extortion. The similarities were that both the Roman and Byzantine military were not as capable as they once were.

In the past, the goals of the early terrorists were to exact tribute and booty. In modern times the terrorist has evolved to a stage where the goals are now to bring about a philosophical or ideological change by the use of terror.

In modern times, we have also seen the rise of State terrorism where the state itself is the terrorist organization. Contemporary terrorist states can be seen in Iraq under Sadam, Iran, N. Korea and the former rule of the Taliban in Afghanistan where state terrorism was used to force compliance to the State’s ideology. Terror is used to force compliance to the wishes of the terrorist organization controlling the state. The usual methods used are torture, rape, and murder. Stalin used state terrorism to keep the people of the Soviet Union in compliance with his policies. He ruled by fear sending millions to Siberia, those who gave any indication of opposing his dictates. Many Soviet dissidents were executed in the night. Stalin’s rule was probably state terrorism at its zenith. When state terrorism is imposed, it may be used to stifle dissent. When used by insurrectionist or guerillas, it may be part of an overall effort to bring about a political change. In the case of the Muslim extremists, it is the ultimate goal of a one world theocracy under Muslim law.


The Geneva Convention originally established in 1864 and subsequently revised and updated at later conventions, established agreements by signatory nations on the treatment of prisoners of war, the sick, wounded and the war dead. It eliminated terrorism which was not supposed to be a part of warfare. Of course, one may argue that war itself is the epitome of terrorism. During World War II, the Japanese brutalized China, Korea Indo-China and the Philippines. The Nazi’s did the same in Europe. They occupied many nations and ruled by terror. When we compare the conventional terrorist groups and individuals after World War II to the terrorists of the early 1990s, a trend can be seen. That trend is the emergence of religious fundamentalist and new religious groups espousing the rhetoric of mass-destruction terrorism. New breeds of increasingly dangerous religious terrorists emerged in the 1990s. The most dangerous type to emerge is the Islamic fundamentalist. In the 1990s, Muslim groups motivated by religious imperatives have grown and proliferated. These groups have a different attitude toward violence. Their outlook is one that divides the world simplistically into "them" and "us." These terrorists have contradicted the conventional thinking that terrorists are averse to using WMD. The past decade has made it increasingly evident that the assumption does not apply to religious terrorist groups. Although Muslim terrorists have permeated many Muslim nations, they have also embedded themselves in the United States. Their philosophy is simple, to Muslimize the world under a Muslim theocracy, a one world Muslim order.

On the other hand, we cannot disregard the non-religious home bread terrorist like Timothy McVeigh who had a measurable defined mission. It was measurable in terms of media attention and government reaction. His grievances were with the United States government. His was an ideological belief that there was excessive government involvement in all aspects of American life. At heart, he was a “soldier of fortune”. He was deeply suspicious of anything related to the government. He was willing to kill civilians (so called collateral damage) to get his point across. He believed that the United States was on the decline and blood had to be shed to reform the government. His sympathy was with the radicals who held similar views as he held. The U.S. government was not functioning the way he, McVeigh thought that it should function. Here, there are many similarities with John Brown’s actions prior to the American Civil War.
Although they may have different leaders, current Muslim terrorist groups have similar goals and are prone to work together in order to achieve those goals
In a report dated September, 1999 prepared by the Federal Research Division, Library of Congress, they analyze the sociology and psychology of terrorism and who becomes a terrorist and why? “Individuals who become terrorists often are unemployed, socially alienated individuals who have dropped out of society. Those with little education, such as youths in Algerian ghettos or the Gaza Strip, may try to join a terrorist group out of boredom and a desire to have an action-packed adventure in pursuit of a cause they regard as just. Some individuals may be motivated mainly by a desire to use their special skills, such as bomb-making. The more educated youths may be motivated more by genuine political or religious convictions. The person who becomes a terrorist in Western countries is generally both intellectual and idealistic. Usually, these disenchanted youths, both educated or uneducated, engage in occasional protest and dissidence. Potential terrorist group members often start out as sympathizers of the group. Recruits often come from support organizations, such as prisoner support groups or student activist groups. From sympathizer, one moves to passive supporter. Often, violent encounters with police or other security forces motivate an already socially alienated individual to join a terrorist group. Although the circumstances vary, the end result of this gradual process is that the individual, often with the help of a family member or friend with terrorist contacts, turns to terrorism. Membership in a terrorist group, however, is highly selective. Over a period as long as a year or more, a recruit generally moves in a slow, gradual fashion toward full membership in a terrorist group”.
The Library of Congress Report also cited the five different motivators or categories of terrorists. They are:

1. The Nationalist/Separatist
2. The Religious Fundamentalist
3. The New Religionists
4. The Social Revolutionaries
5. The Right Wing Terrorist
Some of the above groupings may be in a combination. For instance, the Palestinian terrorist groups not only have a nationalistic/separatist goal, but are also motivated by Muslim fundamentalism.

I will concentrate mainly on the Muslim Fundamentalist terrorist groups because they are the ones that have declared “war” on the United States and present the greatest threat to our security and well being.
Who are they and what is their organizational structure? Below is a list of Muslim international terrorist organizations and related groups considered by the U.S. State Department to be active during the last several years.

Introduction to Contemporary Terrorism

September 11, 2001 showed the American people that a new world threat and philosophy has placed our government, military and law enforcement agencies in a combatant role never before seen. This has caused a rethinking at all these levels on how to plan a war against a force whose philosophy and methods are completely contrary to the conventional way wars were fought in the past. The focus of the “terrorist” is to make the American people feel unsafe in their workplace, schools, travel, buildings, and homes and in the pursuit of their leisure activities. By doing this, they plan to bring attention and submission to their cause. This new war is very different in many respects. Fighting this threat requires efforts on many fronts including the population at large. Terrorism is not a new phenomenon but the scope of the terrorist threat is heightened by the onset of technology and the availability of weapons of mass destruction. The modern day terrorist, especially religious terrorist groups, is not averse to using WMD. When we compare contemporary terrorists to past terrorist activities we see the emergence of religious fundamentalist and new religious groups espousing the rhetoric of mass-destruction terrorism. Consequently, the most dangerous terrorist is likely to be the religious terrorist. Unlike the average political or social terrorist, who has a defined mission that is somewhat measurable in terms of media attention or government reaction, the religious terrorist can justify the most heinous acts "in the name of Allah," Of all the new breeds of increasingly dangerous religious terrorists that emerged in the 1990s, the most dangerous type is the Islamic fundamentalist. This essay will assist you in understanding the terrorist threat currently facing the United States along with a brief history of acts of terrorism in the United States and what you, as an individual, can do to be vigilant in identifying suspicious behavior and taking the proper action to combat terrorism . Current terrorist groups will be identified with a brief explanation of their organizational structure. I will define domestic and international terrorism and its ties to state sponsored terrorism. I will attempt to give you an understanding of identifying suspicious persons and behavior whether it is in public places, work site or in your neighborhood.

Some Terrorist Organizations

A list of international terrorist organizations considered by the U.S. State Department to be active during the last five years.

AFGHANISTAN:

NAME: al Qaeda

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: Established by Osama bin Laden in the late 1980s.

GOALS: Establish a pan-Islamic Caliphate throughout the world by working with allied Islamic extremist groups to overthrow regimes it deems "non-Islamic," and expelling Westerners and non-Muslims from Muslim countries.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: Is suspected of involvement in the October 2000 bombing of the USS Cole in Aden, Yemen. Conducted the bombings in August 1998 of the U.S. embassies in Nairobi, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, that killed at least 301 persons and injured more than 5,000 others. Claims to have shot down U.S. helicopters and killed U.S. servicemen in Somalia in 1993, and to have conducted three bombings that targeted U.S. troops in Aden, Yemen, in December 1992.

STRENGTH: May have several hundred to several thousand members.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Al Qaeda has a worldwide reach with cells in a number of countries, and benefits from its ties to Sunni extremist networks. Bin Laden and his top associates reside in Afghanistan, and the group maintains terrorist training camps there.

AFFILIATIONS: Serves as the umbrella organization for a worldwide network that includes many Sunni Islamic extremist groups, such as Egyptian Islamic Jihad, some members of al-Gama'at al-Islamiyya, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, and the Harakat ul-Mujahidin.

COMMENTS: Bin Laden is the son of a wealthy Saudi family, and uses his inheritance to finance the group. Al Qaeda also operates moneymaking front organizations, solicits donations, and illicitly siphons funds from donations to Muslim charitable organizations.


ALGERIA:

NAME: Armed Islamic Group (GIA)

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: 1992.

GOALS: GIA aims to overthrow the secular Algerian regime and replace it with an Islamic state.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: None.

STRENGTH: Unknown, probably several hundred to several thousand.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Algeria.

AFFILIATIONS: Algerian expatriates and members of the Salafi Group for Call and Combat (GSPC) splinter group abroad, many of whom reside in Western Europe, provide financial and logistic support. In addition, the Algerian government has accused Iran and Sudan of supporting Algerian extremists.

COMMENTS: The GSPC splinter faction appears to have eclipsed the GIA since approximately 1998 and is currently assessed to be the most effective remaining armed group inside Algeria. A U.S. Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) listed as "active" during 2000.

NAME: The Salafist Group for Call and Combat (GSPC)

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: 1996.

GOALS: Overthrow the Algerian government and impose fundamentalist Islamic theocracy.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: Unknown.

STRENGTH: Unknown; suspected to be several hundred to several thousand.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Algeria.

AFFILIATIONS: Algerian expatriates and GSPC members living abroad. The Algerian government has accused Iran and Sudan of supporting Algerian extremists. The GSPC may also receive support from the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) network in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Some GSPC members in Europe are suspected of having ties with other North African extremists sympathetic to al Qaeda.

COMMENTS: GSPC is a splinter group of the GIA, and has gained popular support through its pledge not to attack civilians inside Algeria (although it has not kept the pledge). It was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) on March 27, 2002.


EGYPT:

NAME: Al-Jihad a.k.a. Egyptian Islamic Jihad, Jihad Group, Islamic Jihad

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: Late 1970s.

GOALS: Overthrow the Egyptian government and replace it with an Islamic state; attack U.S. and Israeli interests in Egypt and abroad.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: Car-bombing against official U.S. facilities.

STRENGTH: Unknown, suspected to be several hundred.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Mainly Cairo, but has a network outside Egypt, including Yemen, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sudan, Lebanon, and the United Kingdom.

AFFILIATIONS: Close partner of Osama Bin Laden's al Qaeda; Iran. May get some funds via various Islamic non-governmental organizations, cover businesses, and criminal acts.

COMMENTS: The original Jihad was responsible for the 1981 assassination of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat.

NAME: Al-Gama'a al-Islamiyya (Islamic Group, IG)

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: Late 1970s.

GOALS: The IG's primary goal is to overthrow the Egyptian government and replace it with an Islamic state, but certain group leaders also may be interested in attacking U.S. and Israeli interests.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: The IG has never specifically attacked a U.S. citizen or facility but has threatened U.S. interests.

STRENGTH: Unknown. At its peak, the IG probably commanded several thousand hard-core members and a like number of sympathizers. The 1998 cease-fire and security crackdowns following the attack on tourists in Luxor in 1997 probably have resulted in a substantial decrease in the group's numbers.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Operates mainly in the Al-Minya, Asyu't, Qina, and Sohaj Governorates of southern Egypt. Also appears to have support in Cairo, Alexandria, and other urban locations, particularly among unemployed graduates and students. Has a worldwide presence, including Sudan, the United Kingdom, Afghanistan, Austria, and Yemen.

AFFILIATIONS: Unknown. The Egyptian government believes that Iran, bin Laden, and Afghan militant groups support the organization. Also may obtain some funding through various Islamic non-governmental organizations.

COMMENTS: Al-Gama'a claims responsibility for the attempt in June 1995 to assassinate Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The group's spiritual leader, Shaykh Umar Abd al-Rahman, is incarcerated in the United States. A Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) listed as "active" during 2000.


GEORGIA:

NAME: Zviadists

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: 1991.

GOALS: Extremist supporters of deceased former Georgian President Zviad Gamsakhurdia. Overthrow Gamsakhurdia's successor Eduard Shevardnadze's rule.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: None.

STRENGTH: Unknown.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Georgia, especially Mingrelia and Russia.

AFFILIATIONS: Unknown.

COMMENTS: Some now operate anti-Shevardnadze activities from Russia.


GREECE:

NAME: Revolutionary Nuclei (RN) a.k.a. Revolutionary Cells

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: 1995.

GOALS: Believed to be the successor group to the Revolutionary People’s Struggle (ELA), RN is a leftist group with an anti-establishment, anti-U.S., anti-NATO and anti-EU agenda. The ELA, which sought to oppose “imperialist domination, exploitation, and oppression,” has not been active since 1995.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: In November 2000, RN bombed the Citigroup offices in Athens and the studio of a Greek/American sculptor. In December 1999, the group detonated explosives outside the Athens offices of Texaco.

STRENGTH: Unknown.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Mainly the Athens metropolitan area in Greece.

AFFILIATIONS: Unknown.

COMMENTS: RN was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) on March 27, 2002.


NAME: Revolutionary Organization 17 November (17 November)

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: 1975.

GOALS: A radical leftist group, 17 November is described as Anti-Greek establishment, anti-United States, anti-Turkey, anti-NATO, and committed to the ouster of U.S. bases, removal of Turkish military presence from Cyprus, and severing of Greece's ties to NATO and the European Union (EU).

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: Initial attacks were assassinations of senior U.S. officials and Greek public figures.

STRENGTH: Unknown, but presumed to be small.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Athens, Greece.

AFFILIATIONS: Unknown.

COMMENTS: 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. Most recent attack claimed was the murder in June 2000 of British Defense Attaché Stephen Saunders. A Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) listed as "active" during 2000.

NAME: Revolutionary People's Struggle (ELA)

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: 1971.

GOALS: To oppose "imperialist domination, exploitation, and oppression."

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: Since 1974, has conducted bombings against Greek government and economic targets, as well as U.S. military and business facilities.

STRENGTH: Unknown.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Greece.

AFFILIATIONS: Received weapons and other assistance from international terrorist Carlos during 1980s. Currently no known foreign sponsors. Greek police believe they have established links between ELA and Revolutionary Organization 17 November.

COMMENTS: An extreme leftist group, the ELA is self-described as revolutionary, anti-capitalist, and anti-imperialist. Strongly anti-U.S., and seeks the removal of U.S. military forces from Greece. A Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) listed as "active" during 2000.

IRAN:
The State Department report says Iran continues to use terrorism as an instrument of state policy, most notably in anti-Israeli activities.
The report says Iran provided funding, safe haven, training, and weapons for Lebanon-based Hezbollah and Palestinian terrorist groups Hamas, Islamic Jihad, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command.


IRAQ:

NAME: Abu Nidal organization (ANO) a.k.a. Fatah Revolutionary Council, Arab Revolutionary Brigades, Black September, and Revolutionary Organization of Socialist Muslims.

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: Split from the PLO in 1974.

GOALS: Establishment of a Palestinian State.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: Targets include the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Israel, moderate Palestinians, the PLO, and various Arab countries. Has not attacked Western targets since the late 1980s.

STRENGTH: A few hundred plus limited overseas support structure.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Its leader, Sabri Al-Banna, relocated to Iraq in December 1998, where the group maintains a presence. Has an operational presence in Lebanon, including in several Palestinian refugee camps. Authorities shut down the ANO's operations in Libya and Egypt in 1999. Has demonstrated ability to operate over wide area, including the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. Has carried out terrorist attacks in 20 countries, killing or injuring almost 900 persons.

AFFILIATIONS: Has received considerable support, including safe haven, training, logistic assistance, and financial aid from Iraq, Libya, and Syria (until 1987), in addition to close support for selected operations.

COMMENTS: Financial problems and internal disorganization have reduced the group's activities and capabilities. A Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) listed as "active" during 2000.

NAME: 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 Mujahidin of Iran (PMOI), National Council of Resistance (NCR), Muslim Iranian Student's Society (front organization used to garner financial support).

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: 1960s.

GOALS: The MEK continues to conduct a worldwide campaign against the Iranian government, which stresses propaganda and occasionally uses terrorist violence.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: During the 1970s, the MEK staged terrorist attacks inside Iran and killed several U.S. military personnel and civilians working on defense projects in Tehran. Supported the takeover in 1979 of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.

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).

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: In the 1980s, the MEK's leaders were forced by Iranian security forces to flee to France. Most resettled in Iraq by 1987. In the mid-1980s, the group did not mount terrorist operations in Iran at a level similar to its activities in the 1970s. In the 1990s, however, the MEK claimed credit for an increasing number of operations in Iran.

AFFILIATIONS: Beyond support from Iraq, the MEK uses front organizations to solicit contributions from expatriate Iranian communities.

COMMENTS: Formed by the college-educated children of Iranian merchants, the MEK sought to counter what it perceived as excessive Western influence in the Shah's regime. Following a philosophy that mixes Marxism and Islam, the MEK 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. A Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) listed as "active" during 2000.

NAME: Palestine Liberation Front (PLF)

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: Broke away from the PFLP-GC in mid-1970s.

GOALS: Creation of a Palestinian state.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: The Abu Abbas-led faction was responsible for the attack in 1985 on the cruise ship Achille Lauro and the murder of U.S. citizen Leon Klinghoffer.

STRENGTH: Unknown.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Based in Tunisia until Achille Lauro attack, it is now based in Iraq.

AFFILIATIONS: Receives support mainly from Iraq. Has received support from Libya in the past.

COMMENTS: After its initial break with the PFLP-GC, split again into pro-PLO, pro-Syrian, and pro-Libyan factions. Pro-PLO faction is led by Muhammad Abbas (Abu Abbas), who became member of PLO Executive Committee in 1984 but left it in 1991. A warrant for Abu Abbas's arrest is outstanding in Italy. A Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) listed as "active" during 2000.


ISRAEL:

NAME: Kach and Kahane Chai

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: Both organizations were declared to be terrorist organizations in March 1994 by the Israeli Cabinet under the 1948 Terrorism Law.

GOALS: Stated goal is to restore the biblical state of Israel.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: None.

STRENGTH: Unknown.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Israel and West Bank settlements, particularly Qiryat Arba' in Hebron.

AFFILIATIONS: Receives support from sympathizers in the United States and Europe.

COMMENTS: Kach was founded by radical Israeli-American rabbi Meir Kahane, while its offshoot Kahane Chai,(which means "Kahane Lives") was founded by Meir Kahane's son Binyamin following his father's assassination in the United States. They have threatened to attack Arabs, Palestinians, and Israeli government officials. A Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) listed as "active" during 2000.


JAPAN:

NAME: Aum Supreme Truth (Aum) a.k.a. Aum Shinrikyo, Aleph

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: 1987.

GOALS: To take over Japan and then the world.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: None.

STRENGTH: The Aum's current membership is estimated at 1,500 to 2,000 persons. At the time of the 1995 Tokyo subway attack, the group claimed to have 9,000 members in Japan and up to 40,000 worldwide.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: The Aum's principal membership is located only in Japan, but a residual branch comprising an unknown number of followers has surfaced in Russia.

AFFILIATIONS: None.

COMMENTS: A cult established by Shoko Asahara, the Aum is responsible for the March 20, 1995 sarin nerve gas attacks on several Tokyo subway trains that killed 12 persons and injured up to 6,000. In 2000, Fumihiro Joyu took control of the Aum following his three-year jail sentence for perjury. Joyu was previously the group's spokesman and Russia Branch leader. Under Joyu's leadership the Aum changed its name to Aleph and claims to have rejected the violent and apocalyptic teachings of its founde r. A Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) listed as "active" during 2000.

NAME: Chukaku-Ha (Nucleus or Middle Core Faction)

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: 1957.

GOALS: Protest Japan's imperial system, Western imperialism, and events such as the Gulf War and the expansion of Tokyo's Narita Airport.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: None.

STRENGTH: 3,500.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Japan.

AFFILIATIONS: None.

COMMENTS: Largest domestic militant group; has small covert action wing called Kansai Revolutionary Army.

NAME: Japanese Red Army (JRA) a.k.a. Anti-Imperialist International Brigade (AIIB)

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: Around 1970.

GOALS: To overthrow the Japanese government and monarchy and to help foment world revolution.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: In 1972 the JRA attempted a takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. In April 1988, JRA operative Yu Kikumura was arrested with explosives on the New Jersey Turnpike, apparently planning an attack to coincide with the bombing of a USO club in Naples, a suspected JRA operation that killed five, including a U.S. servicewoman.

STRENGTH: About six hard-core members; undetermined number of sympathizers.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: The JRA has carried out a series of attacks around the world. Location unknown, but possibly traveling in Asia or Syrian-controlled areas of Lebanon.

AFFILIATIONS: Unknown. Has history of close relations with Palestinian terrorist groups based and operating outside Japan. May control or at least have ties to Anti-Imperialist International Brigade (AIIB); also may have links to Antiwar Democratic Front — an overt leftist political organization — inside Japan.

COMMENTS: The JRA is a break away from the Japanese Communist League-Red Army Faction. A Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) in 2000, it was removed from the FTO list on October 5, 2001.


LEBANON:

NAME: ‘Asbat al-Ansar (The Partisans’ League)

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: Early 1990s.

GOALS: Overthrow the Lebanese government and thwart anti-Islamic influences in Lebanon.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: None.

STRENGTH: About 300 fighters.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Primary base of operations is the ‘Ayn al-Hilwah Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon.

AFFILIATIONS: Overseas Sunni extremist networks and Osama bin Laden’s al Qaeda.

COMMENTS: A Lebanon-based group composed mainly of Palestinians, Asbat al-Ansar adheres to an extremist interpretation of Islam and justifies the use of violence against civilian targets. The group raised its profile in 2000 with a rocket-propelled grenade attack on the Russian Embassy in Beirut. It was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) on March 27, 2002.

NAME: Hezbollah (Party of God) a.k.a. Islamic Jihad, Revolutionary Justice Organization, Organization of the Oppressed on Earth, and Islamic Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: Unknown.

GOALS: Increasing its political power in Lebanon, and opposing Israel and the Middle East peace negotiations.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: Known or suspected to have been involved in numerous anti-U.S. terrorist attacks, including the suicide truck bombing of the U.S. embassy and U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut in October 1983, and the U.S. embassy annex in Beirut in September 1984.

STRENGTH: Several thousand supporters and a few hundred terrorist operatives.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Operates in the Bekaa Valley, the southern suburbs of Beirut, and southern Lebanon. Has established cells in Europe, Africa, South America, North America, and Asia.

AFFILIATIONS: Receives substantial amounts of financial, training, weapons, explosives, political, diplomatic, and organizational aid from Iran and Syria.

COMMENTS: A radical Shia organization founded in Lebanon. A Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) listed as "active" during 2000.


OCCUPIED TERRITORIES:

NAME: Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: 2000

GOALS: Drive the Israeli military and people from the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Jerusalem and establish a Palestinian state.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: At least five U.S. citizens have been killed in attacks, but probably not because of their citizenship. The group mainly targets Israeli military personnel and civilians.

STRENGTH: Unknown.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Mainly in the West Bank, but has also claimed responsibility for attacks inside Israel and the Gaza Strip.

AFFILIATIONS: Unknown.

COMMENTS: Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade is composed of cells of Fatah-affiliated activists that emerged with the onset of the intifadah in 2000. In January 2002, an al-Aqsa member became the first female suicide bomber in the intifadah. The group was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) on March 27, 2002.

NAME: Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP)

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: 1969.

GOALS: Achieve Palestinian national goals through revolution of the masses.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: None.

STRENGTH: 500.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Syria, Lebanon, and the Israeli-occupied territories.

AFFILIATIONS: One of the two factions joined with other rejectionist groups to form the Alliances of Palestinian Forces (APF), but broke it off. Has made limited moves toward merging with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) since the mid-1990s. Receives limited financial and military aid from Syria.

COMMENTS: Marxist-Leninist organization founded when it split from the PFLP. Opposed the Israel-PLO peace agreement.


NAME: HAMAS (Islamic Resistance Movement)

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: 1987.

GOALS: Establishing an Islamic Palestinian state in place of Israel.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: Unknown.

STRENGTH: Unknown number of hard-core members; tens of thousands of supporters and sympathizers.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Primarily the occupied territories, Israel. In August 1999, Jordanian authorities closed the group's Political Bureau offices in Amman, arrested its leaders, and prohibited the group from operating on Jordanian territory.

AFFILIATIONS: Receives funding from Palestinian expatriates, Iran, and private benefactors in Saudi Arabia and other moderate Arab states. Some fundraising and propaganda activities take place in Western Europe and North America.

COMMENTS: Formed as an outgrowth of the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood. Various HAMAS elements have used both political and violent means, including terrorism. Loosely structured, with some elements working clandestinely and others working openly through mosques and social service institutions to recruit members, raise money, organize activities, and distribute propaganda. Also has engaged in peaceful political activity, such as running candidates in West Bank Chamber of Commerce elections. A Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) listed as "active" during 2000.


NAME: The Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ)

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: 1970s.

GOALS: The creation of an Islamic Palestinian state and the destruction of Israel through holy war.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: Because of its strong support for Israel, the United States has been identified as an enemy of the PIJ, but the group has not specifically conducted attacks against U.S. interests in the past. In July 2000, however, publicly threatened to attack U.S. interests if the U.S. Embassy is moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

STRENGTH: Unknown.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Primarily Israel and the occupied territories and other parts of the Middle East, including Jordan and Lebanon. Headquartered in Syria.

AFFILIATIONS: Receives financial assistance from Iran and limited logistic assistance from Syria.

COMMENTS: Originated among militant Palestinians in the Gaza Strip during the 1970s. Also opposes moderate Arab governments that it believes have been tainted by Western secularism. A Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) listed as "active" during 2000.


PAKISTAN:

NAME: Harakat ul-Ansar (HUA)

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: October 1993.

GOALS: Oppose Indian troops in Kashmir.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: U.S. nationals were kidnapped in New Delhi in 1994 in effort to secure the release of imprisoned HUA leader Maulana Masood Azhar.

STRENGTH: Several thousand armed supporters

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Based in Pakistan, but operates mainly in Kashmir.

AFFILIATIONS: Collects funds from supporters in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf and Islamic states, and from Pakistanis and Kashmiris. Has been linked to the Kashmiri militant group Al-Faran. See "Army of Muhammad (JEM)."

NAME: Harakat ul-Mujahidin (HUM)

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: Early 1990s.

GOALS: Unite Kashmir with Pakistan.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: None, although new leader Farooq Kashmiri. Khalil, who took control of HUM in February 2000, has been linked to Bin Ladin and signed his fatwah in February 1998 calling for attacks on U.S. and Western interests.

STRENGTH: Several thousand armed supporters.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Based in Muzaffarabad, Rawalpindi, and several other towns in Pakistan and Afghanistan, but members conduct insurgent and terrorist activities primarily in Kashmir. The HUM trains its militants in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

AFFILIATIONS: Collects donations from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf and Islamic states, and from Pakistanis and Kashmiris. The sources and amount of HUM's military funding are unknown. Leadership has been linked to Osama Bin Ladin.

COMMENTS: Formerly known as the Harakat al-Ansar, the HUM is an Islamic militant group based in Pakistan that operates primarily in Kashmir. Supporters are mostly Pakistanis and Kashmiris, and also include Afghans and Arab veterans of the Afghan war. Uses light and heavy machineguns, assault rifles, mortars, explosives, and rockets. HUM lost some of its membership in defections to the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM). Continues to operate terrorist training camps in eastern Afghanistan. A Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) listed as "active" during 2000.

NAME: Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM) (Army of Mohammed)

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: February, 2000.

GOALS: Unite Kashmir with Pakistan.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: None. JEM's leader, Maulana Masood Azhar, is a former leader of Harakat ul-Ansar (HUA), and was imprisoned until 1999 when he was released in a hostage exchange. U.S. nationals were kidnapped in New Delhi in 1994 in an earlier HUA effort to secure his release.

STRENGTH: Several hundred armed supporters.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Based in Peshawar and Muzaffarabad, but members conduct terrorist activities primarily in Kashmir. The JEM maintains training camps in Afghanistan.

AFFILIATIONS: Most of the JEM's cadre and material resources have been drawn from the militant groups Harakat ul-Jihad al-Islami (HUJI) and the Harakat ul-Mujahidin (HUM). The JEM has close ties to Afghan Arabs and the Taliban. Osama Bin Laden is suspected of giving funding to the JEM.

COMMENTS: The JEM is an Islamist group based in Pakistan that has rapidly expanded in size and capability. Supporters are mostly Pakistanis and Kashmiris, and also include Afghans and Arab veterans of the Afghan war. Uses light and heavy machineguns, assault rifles, mortars, improvised explosive devices, and rocket grenades. NOT a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), but listed as "active" during 2000.

NAME: Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LT) (Army of the Righteous)

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: 1989.

GOALS: Unite Kashmir with Pakistan.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: None.

STRENGTH: Several hundred members.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Based in Muridke (near Lahore) and Muzaffarabad. The LT trains its militants in mobile training camps across Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Afghanistan.

AFFILIATIONS: Collects donations from the Pakistani community in the Persian Gulf and United Kingdom, Islamic NGOs, and Pakistani and Kashmiri businessmen. The amount of LT funding is unknown. The LT maintains ties to religious/military groups around the world, ranging from the Philippines to the Middle East and Chechnya through the MDI fraternal network.

COMMENTS: The LT is the armed wing of the Pakistan-based religious organization, Markaz-ud-Dawa-wal-Irshad (MDI) — a Sunni anti-U.S. missionary organization. One of the three largest and best-trained groups fighting in Kashmir against India, it is not connected to a political party. The group has conducted a number of operations against Indian troops and civilian targets in Kashmir since 1993. Almost all LT cadres are foreigners — mostly Pakistanis from seminaries across the country and Afghan veterans of the Afghan wars. Uses assault rifles, light and heavy machineguns, mortars, explosives, and rocket propelled grenades. NOT a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) but listed as "active" during 2000.


PHILLIPPINES:

NAME: Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: 1991.

GOALS: Promote an independent Islamic state in western Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago, areas in the southern Philippines heavily populated by Muslims.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: Kidnapped more than 30 foreigners, including a U.S. citizen, in 2000.

STRENGTH: 200 core fighters and more than 2,000 supporters.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Mainly southern Philippines with members occasionally traveling to Manila. Operated in Malaysia in 2000.

AFFILIATIONS: Probably receives support from Islamic extremists in the Middle East and South Asia. Some have ties to Mujahidin in Afghanistan.

COMMENTS: Smallest and most radical of the Islamic separatist groups operating in the southern Philippines. The group split from the Moro National Liberation Front in 1991. A Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) listed as "active" during 2000.

NAME: Alex Boncayao Brigade (ABB)

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: Mid-1980s.

GOALS: [A breakaway urban hit squad of the Communist Party of the Philippines New People's Army.]

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: Suspected involved in the murder in 1989 of U.S. Army Col. James Rowe in the Philippines.

STRENGTH: 500.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Manila and central Philippines.

AFFILIATIONS: Formed an alliance with the Revolutionary Proletarian Army in 1997.

COMMENTS: Breakaway urban hit squad of the Communist Party of the Philippines New People's Army. NOT a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), but listed as "active" during 2000.

NAME: New People's Army (NPA)

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: 1969.

GOALS: Overthrow the government of the Philippines through protracted guerrilla warfare.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: Opposes any U.S. military presence in the Philippines and attacked U.S. military interests before the U.S. base closures in 1992. Press reports in 1999 indicated that the NPA would target U.S. troops participating in joint military exercises under the Visiting Forces Agreement and U.S. embassy personnel.

STRENGTH: 6,000-8,000.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Rural Luzon, Visayas, and parts of Mindanao. Has cells in Manila and other metropolitan centers.

AFFILIATIONS: Derives most of its funding from contributions of supporters and so-called revolutionary taxes extorted from local businesses.

COMMENTS: The military wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). Although primarily a rural-based guerrilla group, the NPA has an active urban infrastructure to conduct terrorism and uses city-based assassination squads called sparrow units. NOT a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), but listed as "active" during 2000.


RWANDA:

NAME: Army for the Liberation of Rwanda (ALIR), a.k.a. Interahamwe, Former Armed Forces (ex-FAR)

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: 1994.

GOALS: Topple Rwanda's Tutsi-dominated government, reinstitute Hutu control, and, possibly, complete the genocide begun in 1994.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: In 1996, a message — allegedly from the ALIR — threatened to kill the U.S. Ambassador to Rwanda and other U.S. citizens. In 1999, ALIR guerrillas critical of alleged U.S.-U.K. support for the Rwandan regime kidnapped and killed eight foreign tourists, including two U.S. citizens, at the Congo-Uganda border.

STRENGTH: Several thousand.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Mostly Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, but a few may operate in Burundi.

AFFILIATIONS: In the Congolese war, the ALIR is allied with Kinshasa against the Rwandan invaders. From the Rwandan invasion of 1998 until his death in early 2001, the Laurent Kabila regime in the Democratic Republic of the Congo provided the ALIR with training, arms, and supplies.

COMMENTS: The FAR was the army of the Rwandan Hutu regime that carried out the genocide of 500,000 or more Tutsis and regime opponents in 1994. The Interahamwe was the civilian militia force that carried out much of the killing. The groups merged after they were forced from Rwanda into the Democratic Republic of the Congo (then-Zaire) in 1994. They are now often known as the Army for the Liberation of Rwanda (ALIR), which is the armed branch of the PALIR or Party for the Liberation of Rwanda. NOT a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), but listed as "active" during 2000.


SIERRA LEONE:

NAME: Revolutionary United Front (RUF)

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: Unknown.

GOALS: Topple the current government of Sierra Leone and retain control of the lucrative diamond-producing regions of the country.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: None directly, but held hundreds of UN peacekeepers hostage in 2000.

STRENGTH: Several thousand fighters and possibly a similar number of supporters and sympathizers.

OPERATIONA LOCATIONS: Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea.

AFFILIATIONS: President Charles Taylor of Liberia reportedly provides support and leadership to the RUF. The United Nations has identified Libya, Gambia, and Burkina Faso as conduits for weapons and other materiel for the RUF.

COMMENTS: NOT a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), but listed as "active" during 2000.


SPAIN:

NAME: Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA), a.k.a. Euzkadi Ta Askatasuna

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: 1959.

GOALS: Esblish an independent homeland based on Marxist principles in the northern Spanish provinces of Vizcaya, Guipuzcoa, Alava, and Navarra and the southwestern French departments of Labourd, Basse-Navarra, and Soule.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: None.

STRENGTH: Unknown; may have hundreds of members, plus supporters.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Operates primarily in the Basque autonomous regions of northern Spain and southwestern France, but also has bombed Spanish and French interests elsewhere.

AFFILIATIONS: Has received training at various times in the past in Libya, Lebanon, and Nicaragua. Some ETA members allegedly have received sanctuary in Cuba while others reside in South America. Also appears to have ties to the Irish Republican Army through the two groups' legal political wings.

COMMENTS: Primarily bombings and assassinations of Spanish government officials, especially security and military forces, politicians, and judicial figures. ETA finances its activities through kidnappings, robberies, and extortion. The group has killed more than 800 persons since it began lethal attacks in the early 1960s. A Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) listed as "active" during 2000.

NAME: First of October Antifascist Resistance Group (GRAPO), Grupo de Resistencia Anti-Fascista Premero de Octubre.

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: 1975.

GOALS: Overthrow of the Spanish government and replace it with a Marxist-Leninist regime.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: GRAPO is vehemently anti-U.S., calls for the removal of all U.S. military forces from Spanish territory, and has conducted and attempted several attacks against U.S. targets since 1977.

STRENGTH: Unknown but likely fewer than a dozen hard-core activists. Numerous GRAPO members also currently are in Spanish prisons.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Spain.

AFFILIATIONS: None.

COMMENTS: Armed wing of the illegal Communist Party of Spain of the Franco era. Advocating the NOT a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), but listed as "active" during 2000.


SRI LANKA:

NAME: 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, the Sangilian Force.

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: 1976.

GOALS: Establish an independent Tamil state.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: None.

STRENGTH: 8,000 to 10,000 armed combatants in Sri Lanka, with a core of trained fighters of approximately 3,000 to 6,000. Has significant overseas support structure for fundraising, weapons procurement, and propaganda activities.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Sri Lanka.

AFFILIATIONS: Lobbies foreign governments and the UN. Uses its international contacts to procure weapons, communications, and any other equipment and supplies it needs. Exploits large Tamil communities in North America, Europe, and Asia to obtain funds and supplies for its fighters in Sri Lanka.

COMMENTS: A Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) listed as "active" during 2000.


SYRIA:

NAME: Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: 1967.

GOALS: Oppose current negotiations with Israel. Promote national unity and the reinvigoration of the PLO.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: None.

STRENGTH: 800.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and the occupied territories.

AFFILIATIONS: Receives safe haven and some logistic assistance from Syria.

COMMENTS: Joined the Alliance of Palestinian Forces (APF) to and suspended participation in the PLO. Broke away from the APF, along with the DFLP, in 1996 over ideological differences. A Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) listed as "active" during 2000.

NAME: Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-General Command (PFLP-GC)

GOALS: Oppose Arafat's PLO.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: None.

STRENGTH: Several hundred.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Europe, Middle East, southern Lebanon, Israel, West Bank, and Gaza Strip. Headquartered in Damascus with bases in Lebanon.

AFFILIATIONS: Receives logistic and military support from Syria and financial support from Iran.

COMMENTS: Known for cross-border terrorist attacks into Israel using unusual means. A Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) listed as "active" during 2000.


TURKEY:

NAME: Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: 1974.

GOALS: Establish an independent Kurdish state in southeastern Turkey, where the population is predominantly Kurdish. Improve rights for Kurds in Turkey.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: None.

STRENGTH: 4,000 to 5,000, with thousands of sympathizers in Turkey and Europe.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Turkey, Europe, and the Middle East.

AFFILIATIONS: Has received safe haven and modest aid from Syria, Iraq, and Iran. The Syrian government expelled PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan and known elements of the group from its territory in October 1998.

COMMENTS: In the early 1990s, the PKK moved beyond rural-based insurgent activities to include urban terrorism. The group now claims it would use only political means to achieve its goals. A Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) listed as "active" during 2000.

NAME: Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C) a.k.a. Devrimci Sol (Revolutionary Left), Dev Sol

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: 1978.

GOALS: Uphold Marxist ideology and demonstrate its anti-U.S. and anti-NATO stance.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: Assassinated two U.S. military contractors and wounded a U.S. Air Force officer to protest the Gulf war. Launched rockets at U.S. Consulate in Istanbul in 1992. Turkish authorities thwarted DHKP/C attempt in June 1999 to fire light antitank weapon at U.S. Consulate in Istanbul.

STRENGTH: Unknown.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Turkey, primarily in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Adana. Raises funds in Western Europe.

AFFILIATIONS: Unknown.

COMMENTS: A Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) listed as "active" during 2000.


UNITED STATES:

NAME: Jamaat ul-Fuqra

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: Early 1980s.

GOALS: Purify Islam through violence.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: Assassinations and fire-bombings across the United States in the 1980s. Members in the United States have been convicted of criminal violations, including murder and fraud.

STRENGTH: Unknown.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: North America, Pakistan.

AFFILIATIONS: None.

COMMENTS: Members have purchased isolated rural compounds in North America to live communally, practice their faith, and insulate themselves from Western culture.


UZBEKISTAN:

NAME: Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU)

DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: Unknown..

GOALS: Oppose Uzbekistani President Islom Karimov's secular regime and establish an Islamic state in Uzbekistan.

MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: Took hostages on several occasions in 1999 and 2000, including four U.S. citizens. The group's propaganda includes anti-Western and anti-Israeli rhetoric.

STRENGTH: Militants probably number in the thousands.

OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Militants based in Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Area of operation includes Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Afghanistan.

AFFILIATIONS: Other Islamic extremist groups in Central and South Asia.

COMMENTS: A U.S. Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) listed as "active" during 2000.


Compiled by:

Christopher Hellman
CDI Senior Analyst
chellman@cdi.org

Reyko Huang
CDI Research Analyst
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