From: Patterns of Global Terrorism. United States Department of State Publication 10321
Description
Terrorism in Algeria is conducted by a number of indigenous Islamic militant
groups seeking to overthrow the current secular regime and establish an
Islamic state. Algerian violence began following the ouster of President
Bendjedid in 1992 and the follow-on regime's voiding of the Islamic
Salvation Front's (FIS) victory in parliamentary elections of December 1991.
Following a government crackdown in which many FIS leaders were imprisoned
or exiled, the Islamic movement in Algeria splintered into numerous militant
groups, not all of which are affiliated with the FIS. Groups that have been
responsible for terrorist attacks are the Armed Islamic Group (AIG), the
Movement for an Islamic State (MIS), the Army of the Prophet Muhammad, the
United Company of Jihad, and the Armed Islamic Movement (AIM).
Activities
Frequent attacks against regime targets, particularly police, security
personnel, and government officials; these include assassinations and
bombings. Algerian terrorists have turned increasingly to violence against
civilians. Since June 1993, for example, they have killed seven Algerian
journalists. In September 1993, Algerian terrorists began targeting foreign
nationals in Algeria, murdering two Frenchmen. In October, they killed five
foreign nationals and kidnapped several more, including three French
Consular officials, and threatened to begin indiscriminate attacks on all
foreign residents by December. Since 1992, at least 1,500 people have died
in Algerian violence.
Strength
Unknown
Location/Area of Operation
Algeria
External Aid
Algerian expatriates, many of whom reside in Western Europe, probably
provide some financial support. In addition, Algiers accuses Iran and Sudan
of supporting Algerian extremists and severed diplomatic relations with Iran
in March 1993.
Created: 03/26/95
Last Updated: 03/16/99
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