Hizballah (Party of God)
TERRORIST
GROUP
PROFILES
MILNET
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Hizballah (Party of God)
From: Patterns of Global Terrorism. United States Department of State Publication 10321
Other Names
Islamic Jihad
Revolutionary Justice Organization
Organization of the
Oppressed on Earth
Islamic Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine
Description
Radical Shia group formed in Lebanon; dedicated to creation of Iranian-style
Islamic republic in Lebanon and removal of all non-Islamic influences from
area. Strongly anti-West and anti-Israel. Closely allied with, and often
directed by, Iran, but may have conducted rogue operations that were not
approved by Tehran.
Activities
Known or suspected to have been involved in numerous anti-US terrorist
attacks, including the suicide truck-bombing of the US Embassy and US Marine
barracks in Beirut in October 1983 and the US Embassy annex in Beirut in
September 1984. Group also hijacked TWA 847 in 1985. Elements of the group
were responsible for the kidnapping and detention of most, if not all, US
and other Western hostages in Lebanon. Islamic Jihad publicly claimed
responsibility for the carbombing of Israel's Embassy in Buenos Aires in
March 1992.
Strength
Several thousand.
Location/Area of Operation
Operates in the [Al Biqa'] (Bekaa valley), the southern suburbs of Beirut, and southern
Lebanon. Has established cells in Europe, Africa, South America, North
America, and elsewhere.
External Aid
Receives substantial amounts of financial, training, weapons, explosives,
political, diplomatic, and organizational aid from Iran.
Created: 03/26/95
Last Updated: 02/05/97
Page Maintained by George Goncalves - ggoncalves@nps.navy.mil