Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia (ASALA)
From: Patterns of Global Terrorism. United States Department of State Publication 10321
Other Names
The Orly Group 3rd October Organization
Description
Marxist-Leninist Armenian terrorist group formed in 1975 with stated
intention to compel the Turkish Government to acknowledge publicly its
alleged responsibility for the deaths of 1.5 million Armenians in 1915, pay
reparations, and cede territory for an Armenian homeland. Led by Hagop
Hagopian until he was assassinated in Athens in April 1988.
Activities
Initial bombing and assassination attacks directed against Turkish targets.
Later attacked French and Swiss targets to force release of imprisoned
comrades. Made several minor bombing attacks against US airline offices in
Western Europe in early 1980S. Bombing of Turkish airline counter at Orly
Airport in Paris in 1983--eight killed and 55 wounded--led to split in group
over rationale for causing indiscriminate casualties. Suffering from
internal schisms, group has been relatively inactive over past four years,
although recently claimed an unsuccessful attack on Turkish Ambassador to
Hungary.
Strength
A few hundred members and sympathizers.
Location/Area of Operation
Lebanon, Western Europe, Armenia, United States, and Middle East.
External Aid
Has received aid, including training and safehaven, from Syria. May also
receive some aid from Libya. Has extensive ties to radical Palestinian
groups, including the PFLP and PFLP-GC.
Created: 03/26/95
Last Updated: 03/16/99
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