TERRORIST
GROUP
PROFILES
MILNET
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Revolutionary Organization 17 November (17 November)
From: Patterns of Global Terrorism. United States Department of State Publication 10321
Description
A radical leftist group established in 1975 and named for the November
1973 student uprising in Greece protesting the military regime. The
group is anti-US, anti-Turkish, anti-NATO; committed to violent
overthrow of the regime, ouster of US bases, removal of Turkish military
presence from Cyprus, and severing of Greece's ties to NATO and the
European Union (EU). Organization is obscure, possibly affiliated with
other Greek terrorist groups. [Description form 1996 ed.]
Activities
Initial attacks were selected handgun assassinations against senior US
officials, including US Embassy official Richard Welch in 1975 and US Navy
Capt. George Tsantes in 1983. Began assassinating Greek officials and
public figures in 1976 and added bombings, including attacks against US
military buses in 1987 and assassination of US defense attache William
Nordeen in 1988. Since 1990 has expanded targeting to include EC facilities
and foreign firms investing in Greece and added improvised rocket attacks to
its methods. Such an attack against the Greek Finance Minister in 1992
killed a passerby, 17 November's first "civilian" casualty. In 1991 was
responsible for at least five of the 15 terrorist attacks against Coalition
targets in Greece during the Gulf war, including the assassination in March
of a US Army sergeant. Also stepped up attacks against Turkish interests
with attempted murder of Turkish Embassy official in July 1991, and
assassination of Turkish Embassy press attache in October 1991.
Strength
Unknown, but presumed to be small.
Location/Area of Operation
Greece, primarily in Athens metropolitan area.
External Aid
May receive support from other Greek terrorist group cadres.
Created: 04/02/95
Last Updated: 02/03/97
Page Maintained by George Goncalves - ggoncalves@nps.navy.mil