NPS Home | Library | BOSUN | Databases | Ejournals | Interlibrary Loan | Resources | Web Tools | Ask a Librarian |
Other Names
Fatah
Revolutionary Council
Arab Revolutionary Brigades
Black September
Revolutionary Organization of Socialist Muslims
Description
International terrorist organization founded by Sabri al-Banna (a.k.a. Abu
Nidal). Split from PLO in 1974. Made up of various functional committees,
including political, military, and financial. In November 2002, Abu Nidal died
in Baghdad; the new leadership of the organization is unclear. First designated
in October 1997.
Activities
Has carried out terrorist attacks in 20 countries, killing or injuring almost
900 persons. Targets include the United States, the United Kingdom, France,
Israel, moderate Palestinians, the PLO, and various Arab countries. Major
attacks included the Rome and Vienna airports in December 1985, the Neve Shalom
synagogue in Istanbul and the Pan Am Flight 73 hijacking in Karachi in September
1986, and the City of Poros day-excursion ship attack in Greece in July 1988.
Suspected of assassinating PLO deputy chief Abu Iyad and PLO security chief Abu
Hul in Tunis in January 1991. ANO assassinated a Jordanian diplomat in Lebanon
in January 1994 and has been linked to the killing of the PLO representative
there. Has not staged a major attack against Western targets since the late
1980s.
Strength
Few hundred plus limited overseas support structure.
Location/Area of Operation
Al-Banna relocated to Iraq in December 1998, where the group maintains a
presence. Has an operational presence in Lebanon including in several
Palestinian refugee camps. Authorities shut down the ANO’s operations in Libya
and Egypt in 1999. Has demonstrated ability to operate over wide area, including
the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. Financial problems and internal
disorganization have reduced the group’s activities and capabilities.
External Aid
Has received considerable support, including safehaven, training, logistic
assistance, and financial aid from Iraq, Libya, and Syria (until 1987), in
addition to close support for selected operations.
This is an official U.S. Navy web site |