DUDLEY KNOX LIBRARY
Naval Postgraduate School
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DUDLEY KNOX LIBRARY |
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Description
An international terrorist group formed around
1970 after breaking away from Japanese Communist League-Red Army
Faction. Led by Fusako Shigenobu, believed to be in Syrian-garrisoned
area of Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. Stated goals are to overthrow Japanese
Government and monarchy and help foment world revolution. Organization
unclear but may control or at least have ties to Anti-Imperialist
International Brigade (AIIB). Also may have links to Antiwar Democratic
Front--an overt leftist political organization--inside Japan. Details
released following arrest in November 1987 of leader Osamu Maruoka
indicate that JRA may be organizing cells in Asian cities, such as
Manila and Singapore. Has had close and longstanding relations with
Palestinian terrorist groups--based and operating outside Japan--since
its inception.
Activities
During the 1970s, JRA conducted a series of
attacks around the world, including the massacre in 1972 at Lod Airport
in Israel, two Japanese airliner hijackings, and an attempted takeover
of the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. In April 1988, JRA operative Yu
Kikumura was arrested with explosives on the New Jersey Turnpike,
apparently planning an attack to coincide with the bombing of a USO club
in Naples and a suspected JRA operation that killed five, including a US
servicewoman. Kikumura was convicted of these charges and is serving a
lengthy prison sentence in the United States. In March 1995, Ekita
Yukiko, a longtime JRA activist, was arrested in Romania and
subsequently deported to Japan. Eight others have been arrested since
1996, but leader Shigenobu remains at large.
Strength
About eight hardcore members; undetermined number
of sympathizers.
Location/Area of Operation
Location unknown, but possibly
based in Syrian-controlled areas of Lebanon.
External Aid
Unknown.
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