TERRORIST
GROUP
PROFILES
MILNET
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Revolutionary People's Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C)
From: Patterns of Global Terrorism. United States Department of State Publication 10321
Other Names
Devrimci Sol (Revolutionary Left), Dev Sol
Description
Originally formed in 1978 as Devrimci Sol, or Dev Sol, it was a splinter
faction of the Turkish People's Liberation Party/Front. Renamed in 1994,
it still espouses a Marxist ideology, is intensely xenophobic and
virulently anti-US and anti-NATO. It seeks to unify the proletariat to
stage a national revolution. The group finances its activities chiefly
through armed robberies and extortion.[1995 ed.]
Activities
Since the late 1980s, it has concentrated attacks against current and
retired Turkish security and military officials. Began a new campaign
against foreign interests in 1990. Protesting the Gulf war, it
assassinated two US military contractors and wounded a US Air Force
officer. Launched rockets at US Consulate in Istanbul in April and July
1992. Recent terrorist activities have been less ambitious as the group
works to recover from internal factionalism and police raids that netted
several operatives and large weapons caches. [1995 ed.]
Strength
Several hundred members, several dozen armed militants.
Location/Area of Operation
Carries out attacks in Turkey--primarily in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and
Adana. Conducts fundraising operations in Western Europe.
External Aid
Possible training support from radical Palestinians.
Created: 04/26/95
Last Updated: 02/03/97
Page Maintained by George Goncalves - ggoncalves@nps.navy.mil