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DUDLEY KNOX LIBRARY |
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Manuel Rodriguez Patriotic Front (FPMR)
From: Patterns of Global Terrorism, 1998. United States Department of State, April 1999.Description
Founded in 1983 as the armed wing of the Chilean Communist Party and named for the hero of Chile's war of independence against Spain. Splintered into two factions in the late 1980s, and one faction became a political party in 1991. The dissident wing FPMR/D is Chile's only remaining active terrorist group.Activities
FPMR/D attacks civilians and international targets, including US businesses and Mormon churches. In 1993, FPMR/D bombed two McDonald's restaurants and attempted to bomb a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant. Successful government counterterrorist operations have undercut the organization significantly. Four FPMR/D members escaped from prison using a helicopter in December 1996. One of them, Patricio Ortiz Montenegro, fled to Switzerland where he requested political asylum. Chile requested Ortiz's extradition, but the Swiss Government--fearing Chile would not safeguard Ortiz's physical and psychological well-being--denied the request. Chilean authorities continued to pursue the whereabouts of the three others who escaped with Ortiz.Strength
Now believed to have between 50 and 100 members.Location/Area of Operation
Chile.External Aid
None.
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Created: 04/02/95
Last Updated: 08/31/99
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