TERRORIST
GROUP
PROFILES
MILNET
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The Mojahedin-e Khalq (MEK), [Mujahedin-e Khalq Organization (MEK or MKO)]
From: Patterns of Global Terrorism. United States Department of State Publication 10321
Other Names
The National Liberation Army of Iran (NLA, the militant wing of the MEK)
The People's Mujahedin of Iran (PMOI)
National Council of Resistance (NCR)
Muslim Iranian Student's Society (front organization used to garner financial support)
[all aliases from 1996 ed.]
Description
Formed in the 1960s by the college-educated children of Iranian merchants,
the MEK sought to counter what is perceived as excessive Western influence
in the Shah's regime. In the 1970s, the MEK -- led by Masud Rajavi after
1978 -- concluded that violence was the only way to bring about change in
Iran. Since then, the MEK -- following a philosophy that mixes Marxism and
Islam -- has developed into the largest and most active armed Iranian
dissident group. Its history is studded with anti-Western activity, and,
most recently, attacks on the interests of the clerical regime in Iran and
abroad.
Activities
The MEK directs a worldwide campaign against the Iranian Government that
stresses propaganda and occasionally uses terrorist violence. During the
1970s, the MEK staged terrorist attacks inside Iran to destabilize and
embarrass the Shah's regime; the group killed several U.S. military
personnel and civilians working on defense projects in Tehran. In 1979 the
group supported the takeover of the US Embassy in Tehran. In April 1992,
the MEK carried out nearly simultaneous attacks on Iranian Embassies in 13
different countries in North America, Europe, and the Pacific Rim. The
attacks caused extensive property damage and demonstrated the group's
ability to mount large-scale operations overseas. The group is responsible
for two armed attacks during 1993.
Strength
Several thousand fighters based in Iraq with an extensive overseas support
structure. Most of the fighters are organized in the MEK's National
Liberation Army (NLA).
Location/Area of Operation
In the 1980s, the MEK's leaders were forced by Iranian security forces to
flee to France. Most resettled in Iraq by 1987. Since the mid-1980s, the
MEK has not mounted terrorists operations in Iran at a level similar to its
activities in the 1970s. Aside from the National Liberation Army's attacks
into Iran toward the end of the Iran-Iraq war, and occasional NLA cross-
border incursions since, the MEK's attacks on Iran have amounted to little
more than harassment. The MEK has had more success in confronting Iranian
representatives overseas through propaganda and street demonstrations.
External Aid
Beyond support from Iraq, the MEK uses front organizations to solicit
contributions from expatriate Iranian communities.
Created: 04/02/95
Last Updated: 02/10/97
Page Maintained by George Goncalves - ggoncalves@nps.navy.mil