TERRORIST
GROUP
PROFILES
MILNET
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Japanese Red Army (JRA)
From: Patterns of Global Terrorism. United States Department of State Publication 10321
Other Names
Anti-Imperialist International Brigade (AIIB)
Description
An international terrorist group formed around 1970 after breaking away from
Japanese Communist League-Red Army Faction. Now led by Fusako Shigenobu,
believed to be in Syrian-garrisoned area of Lebanon's Bekaa Valley -- [Al Biqa']. Stated
goals are to overthrow Japanese Government and monarchy and to help foment
world revolution. Organization unclear but may control or at least have
ties to Anti-Imperialist International Brigade (AIIB); may also have links
to Antiwar Democratic Front--an overt leftist political organization--inside
Japan. Details released following November 1987 arrest 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
Before 1977, JRA carried out a series of brutal attacks over a wide
geographical area, including the massacre of passengers at Lod airport in
Israel (1972) and two Japanese airliner hijackings (1973 and 1977). Anti-US
attacks include attempted takeover of US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur (1975).
Since mid-1960s has carried out several crude rocket and mortar attacks
against a number of US embassies. 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, a suspected
JRA operation that killed five, including a US servicewoman. He 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.]
Strength
About 30 hardcore members; undetermined number of sympathizers.
Location/Area of Operation
Based in Syrian-controlled areas of Lebanon; often transits Damascus.
External Aid
Receives aid, including training and base camp facilities, from radical
Palestinian terrorists, especially the PFLP. May also receive aid from
Libya. Suspected of having sympathizers and support apparatus in Japan.
[1996 ed. lists external aid as: "Unknown."]
Created: 03/26/95
Last Updated: 02/05/97
Page Maintained by George Goncalves - ggoncalves@nps.navy.mil