JORDAN
Jordan and Israel continued implementation of their
peace treaty-signed on 26 October 1994-which commits the two parties to
cooperate against terrorism. Amman maintains tight security along its
border with the West Bank and has interdicted individuals attempting to
infiltrate into the West Bank.
Jordanian security and police closely monitor secular
and Islamic extremists inside the country and detain individuals suspected
of involvement in violent acts aimed at destabilizing the government or
its relations with other states. Jordanian authorities detained dozens of
people in terrorism-related cases in 1996, including several individuals
who reportedly infiltrated into Jordan from Syria with plans to attack
Jordanian officials and Israeli tourists. After King Hussein raised the
issue of possible Syrian complicity with President Asad in July, Damascus
arrested some of the infiltrators' supporters in Syria.
Several Palestinian rejectionist groups maintain a
closely watched presence in Jordan, including the Abu Nidal
organization
(ANO), the Palestine Islamic Jihad (PIJ), the Democratic Front for the
Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), the Popular Front for the Liberation of
Palestine (PFLP), and the Islamic Resistance Movement (HAMAS). Following
the February 1996 suicide bombings in Israel, Jordanian security forces
detained dozens of HAMAS members, including an alleged politburo official,
and in May once again warned HAMAS spokesman Ibrahim Ghawsha, a Jordanian
citizen, not to issue statements supporting anti-Israeli violence.
HAMAS (Islamic
Resistance Movement)
Description:
HAMAS was formed in late 1987 as an outgrowth of the Palestinian branch
of the Muslim Brotherhood. Various elements of HAMAS have used both
political and violent means, including terrorism, to pursue the goal of
establishing an Islamic Palestinian state in place of Israel. HAMAS is
loosely structured, with some elements working openly through mosques and
social service institutions to recruit members, raise money, organize
activities, and distribute propaganda. Militant elements of HAMAS,
operating clandestinely, have advocated and used violence to advance their
goals. HAMAS's strength is concentrated in the Gaza Strip and a few areas
of the West Bank. It also has engaged in peaceful political activity, such
as running candidates in West Bank Chamber of Commerce elections.
Activities:
HAMAS activists, especially those in the Izz el-Din al-Qassem Forces,
have conducted many attacks against Israeli civilian and military targets,
suspected Palestinian collaborators, and Fatah rivals.
Strength:
Unknown number of hardcore members; tens of thousands of supporters and
sympathizers.
Location/Area of Operation:
Primarily the occupied territories, Israel, and Jordan.
External Aid:
Receives funding from Palestinian expatriates, Iran, and private
benefactors in Saudi Arabia and other moderate Arab states. Some
fundraising and propaganda activity take place in Western Europe and North
America.
Chronology of Attacks
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:
Probably receives financial assistance from Iran and possibly some
assistance from Syria.
Chronology of Attacks