TERRORIST GROUP PROFILES DUDLEY KNOX LIBRARY Naval Postgraduate School

al-Jihad

Other Names

Description
Egyptian Islamic extremist group active since the late 1970s. Appears to be divided into two factions: one is based in Afghanistan and is a key player in terrorist financier Usama Bin Ladin's new World Islamic Front and the other--the Vanguards of Conquest (Talaa'al-Fateh)--is led by Ahmad Husayn Agiza. Primary goal is to overthrow the Egyptian Government and replace it with an Islamic state. Increasingly willing to target US interests in Egypt.

Activities
Specializes in armed attacks against high-level Egyptian Government officials. The original Jihad was responsible for the assassination in 1981 of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat. Appears to concentrate on high-level, high-profile Egyptian Government officials, including cabinet ministers. Claimed responsibility for the attempted assassinations of Interior Minister Hassan al-Alfi in August 1993 and Prime Minister Atef Sedky in November 1993. Has not conducted an attack inside Egypt since 1993 and has never targeted foreign tourists there. Threatened to retaliate against the United States, however, for its incarceration of Shaykh Umar Abd al-Rahman and, more recently, for the arrests of its members in Albania, Azerbaijan, and the United Kingdom.

Strength
Not known, but probably several thousand hardcore members and another several thousand sympathizers among the various factions.

Location/Area of Operation
Operates in the Cairo area. Has a network outside Egypt, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and Sudan.

External Aid
Not known. The Egyptian Government claims that Iran, Sudan, and militant Islamic groups in Afghanistan--including Usama Bin Ladin--support the Jihad factions. Also may obtain some funding through various Islamic nongovernmental organizations.