DUDLEY KNOX LIBRARY
Naval Postgraduate School
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DUDLEY KNOX LIBRARY |
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Description
An Islamic extremist group, the GIA aims to
overthrow the secular Algerian regime and replace it with an Islamic
state. The GIA began its violent activities in early 1992 after Algiers
voided the victory of the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS)--the largest
Islamic party--in the first round of legislative elections in December
1991.
Activities
Frequent attacks against civilians, journalists,
and foreign residents. In the last several years the GIA has conducted a
terrorist campaign of civilian massacres, sometimes wiping out entire
villages in its area of operations and frequently killing hundreds of
civilians. Since announcing its terrorist campaign against foreigners
living in Algeria in September 1993, the GIA has killed more than 100
expatriate men and women--mostly Europeans--in the country. Uses
assassinations and bombings, including car bombs, and it is known to
favor kidnapping victims and slitting their throats. The GIA hijacked an
Air France flight to Algiers in December 1994. In late 1999 several GIA
members were convicted by a French court for conducting a series of
bombings in France in 1995.
Strength
Unknown, probably several hundred to several
thousand.
Location/Area of Operation
Algeria.
External Aid
Algerian expatriates and GIA members abroad,
many of whom reside in Western Europe, provide some financial and
logistic support. In addition, the Algerian Government has accused Iran
and Sudan of supporting Algerian extremists and severed diplomatic
relations with Iran in March 1993.
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