TERRORIST GROUP PROFILES

MILNET

Abu Nidal Organization (ANO)

From: Patterns of Global Terrorism. United States Department of State Publication 10321

Other Names

Fatah Revolutionary Council
Arab Revolutionary Council
Arab Revolutionary Brigades
Black September
Revolutionary Organization of Socialist Muslims.

Description

International terrorist organization led by Sabri al-Banna. Split from PLO in 1974. Made up of various functional committees, including political, military, and financial.

Activities

Has carried out over 90 terrorist attacks since 1974 in 20 countries, killing or injuring almost 900 people. Targets the united States, the United Kingdom, France, Israel, moderate Palestinians, the PLO, and various Arab countries, depending on which state is sponsoring it at the time. Major attacks include Rome and Vienna airports in December 1985, the Neve Shalom synagogue in Istanbul, the Pan Am Flight 73 hijacking in Karachi in September 1986, and The City of Poros day-excursion ship attack in July 1988 in Greece. Suspected of carrying out assassination on 14 January 1991 in Tunis of PLO deputy chief Abu Iyad and PLO security chief Abu Hul. ANO members also attacked and seriously wounded a senior ANO dissident in Algeria in March 1990. [ANO assassinated a Jordanian diplomat in Lebanon in January 1994, and it has been linked to the killing of the PLO representative there. There have been no attacks against Western targets since the late 1980s.]

Strength

Several hundred plus militia in Lebanon and overseas support structure.

Location/Area of Operation

Headquartered in Iraq (1974-83) and Syria (1983-87); currently headquartered in Libya with substantial presence in Lebanon [in the Al Biqa'] (Bekaa Valley) and several Palestinian refugee camps in coastal areas of Lebanon. Also has presence in Algeria. [Also has presence in Sudan]. Has demonstrated ability to operate over wide area, including Middle East, Asia, and Europe.

External Aid

Has received considerable support, including safehaven, training, logistic assistance, and financial aid from Iraq and Syria (until 1987); continues to receive aid from Libya, in addition to close support for selected operations.

Created: 03/26/95
Last Updated: 02/03/97
 Page Maintained by George Goncalves - ggoncalves@nps.navy.mil