TERRORIST GROUP PROFILES DUDLEY KNOX LIBRARY Naval Postgraduate School

Al-Gama'at al-Islamiyya

Other Names
Islamic Group (IG)

Description
Egypt's largest militant group, active since the late 1970s; appears to be loosely organized. Has an external wing with a worldwide presence. The group issued a cease-fire in March 1999 and has not conducted an attack inside Egypt since August 1998. Signed Usama Bin Ladin's fatwa in February 1998 calling for attacks against US civilians but publicly has denied that it supports Bin Ladin. Shaykh Umar Abd al-Rahman is al-Gama'at's preeminent spiritual leader, and the group publicly has threatened to retaliate against US interests for his incarceration. Primary goal is to overthrow the Egyptian Government and replace it with an Islamic state.

Activities
Armed attacks against Egyptian security and other government officials, Coptic Christians, and Egyptian opponents of Islamic extremism. Al-Gama'at has launched attacks on tourists in Egypt since 1992, most notably the attack in November 1997 at Luxor that killed 58 foreign tourists. Also claimed responsibility for the attempt in June 1995 to assassinate Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Gama'at has never specifically attacked a US citizen or facility but has threatened US interests.

Strength
Unknown, but probably several thousand hardcore members and another several thousand sympathizers.

Location/Area of Operation
Operates mainly in the Al Minya, Asyu't, Qina, and Soha 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 the United Kingdom, Afghanistan, and Austria.

External Aid
Unknown. The Egyptian Government believes that Iran, Sudan, and Afghan militant groups support the organization. Also may obtain some funding through various Islamic nongovernmental organizations.