IRAQ
Iraq has not managed to recover its pre-Gulf war
international terrorist capabilities, but it is slowly rebuilding its
intelligence
network. Acts of political violence continued in northern Iraq, and
intra-Kurdish fighting in August led to an increased number of operatives
there under Baghdad's control. At the time of its military attack on
Irbil, Iraq reportedly murdered more than 100 Iraqis associated with the
dissident Iraqi National Congress (INC). Later, Baghdad renewed its threat
to charge foreign relief personnel and other Iraqi staff with "espionage,"
a crime punishable by death.
Iraq continues to provide safehaven to a variety of
Palestinian rejectionist groups, including the Abu Nidal organization
(ANO), the Arab Liberation Front (ALF), and the former head of the now
defunct 15 May Organization, Abu Ibrahim, who masterminded several
bombings of US aircraft. The Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK), a terrorist group
that opposes the current Iranian regime, also is based in Iraq.
In mid-November a Jordanian diplomatic courier was
murdered in Iraq on the road from Amman to Baghdad, and his diplomatic
pouch stolen. The perpetrators of the act have yet to be identified. The
diplomatic bag contained 250 new Jordanian passports, which could be used
by terrorist operatives for travel under cover.
The terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)
continues to attempt to use northern Iraq as a safehaven and base for
attacks on Turkey.
Mujahedin-e Khalq
Organization (MEK or MKO)
Alias:
The National Liberation Army of Iran (NLA, the militant wing of the
MEK), the People's Mujahedin of Iran (PMOI), National Council of
Resistance (NCR), Muslim Iranian Student's Society (front organization
used to garner financial support)
Description:
Formed in the 1960s by the college-educated children of Iranian
merchants, the MEK sought to counter what is perceived as excessive
Western influence in the Shah's regime. In the 1970s the MEK concluded
that violence was the only way to bring about change in Iran. Since then,
the MEK--following a philosophy that mixes Marxism and Islam--has
developed into the largest and most active armed Iranian dissident group.
Its history is studded with anti-Western activity, and, most recently,
attacks on the interests of the clerical regime in Iran and abroad.
Activities:
The MEK directs a worldwide campaign against the Iranian Government that
stresses propaganda and occasionally uses terrorist violence. During the
1970s the MEK staged terrorist attacks inside Iran to destabilize and
embarrass the Shah's regime; the group killed several US military
personnel and civilians working on defense projects in Tehran. The group
also supported the takeover in 1979 of the US Embassy in Tehran. In April
1992 the MEK carried out attacks on Iranian embassies in 13 different
countries, demonstrating the group's ability to mount large-scale
operations overseas.
Strength:
Several thousand fighters based in Iraq with an extensive overseas
support structure. Most of the fighters are organized in the MEK's
National Liberation Army (NLA).
Location/Area of Operation:
In the 1980s the MEK's leaders were forced by Iranian security forces to
flee to France. Most resettled in Iraq by 1987. Since the mid-1980s the
MEK has not mounted terrorist operations in Iran at a level similar to its
activities in the 1970s. Aside from the National Liberation Army's attacks
into Iran toward the end of the Iran-Iraq war, and occasional NLA
cross-border incursions since, the MEK's attacks on Iran have amounted to
little more than harassment. The MEK has had more success in confronting
Iranian representatives overseas through propaganda and street
demonstrations.
External Aid:
Beyond support from Iraq, the MEK uses front organizations to solicit
contributions from expatriate Iranian communities.
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 logistic and military support mainly from PLO, but also from
Libya and Iraq.
Chronology of Attacks
ABU NIDAL
ORGANIZATION (ANO)
Aliases:
Fatah Revolutionary Council, Arab Revolutionary Council, Arab
Revolutionary Brigades, Black September, Revolutionary Organization of
Socialist Muslims
Descrption & Ideology:
Founded by Sabri Khalil al-Banna (A.K.A. Abu Nidal), this organization
took shape after splitting from the Palestine Liberation Organization in
1974. ANO is made up of various functional committees, including
political, military, financial, etc.. A rejectionist and extremely violent
Palestinian terrorist group, ANO opposes all efforts toward political
reconciliation of the Arab-Israeli conflict. This group contends that both
inter-Arab and intra-Palestinian terrorism are needed to precipitate an
all-embracing Arab revolution that alone can lead to the liberation of
Palestine. ANO has several objectives. Continuance of the “ armed
struggle against the Zionist enemy " remains a top priority for ANO.
Undermine efforts to negotiate an Israeli-Palestinian peace by terrorizing
pro-Arafat Palestinians and by attacking Israeli and Jewish targets.
Threaten or attack “ reactionary " regimes of which are Egypt,
Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Shiekdoms. Affirm Arab
commitment to the destruction of Israel. Intimidate those nations
currently holding Abu Nidal operatives in prison into releasing them.
Location & Areas of Operation:
Based in Iraq (1974-83) and Syria (1983-87); currently based in Libya
with a substantial presence in Lebanon (in the Bekka Valley and several
Palestinian refugee camps in coastal areas of Lebanon). The ANO also
maintains a presence in Algeria as well as in other nations in the Middle
East and Africa. It is believed that some elements, may have relocated to
Iraq from Libya in the mid-1990s. Despite support by a succession of state
sponsors, the group maintains its own agenda. Although many of the group’s
operations coincide with the interests of its state sponsors, ANO also
conducts independent operations.
Strength & External Support:
Its estimated membership is around 500 with several hundred “militia
“ located in Lebanon and overseas support structure. The ANO has
received considerable support, including safe haven, training, logistical
assistance, and financial aid from Iraq and Syria until 1987; continues to
receive aid from Libya, in addition to close logistical and operational
support for terrorist operations Although rumors about the poor
health--and even the death of Sabri Khalil al-Banna (Abu Nidal) have
surfaced, it is believed doubtful that his existence is essential to the
organization’s viability. ANO is financially sound and may be one of
the most economically viable of all terrorist organizations. The group is
believed to draw one-third of its income from patron states, one-third
from graft or blackmail, and one-third from its own network of businesses
and front organizations.
Activities:
ANO has carried out over 90 terrorist attacks since 1974 in 20
countries, killing or injuring almost 900 people.
Chronology of Attacks