TERRORIST
GROUP
PROFILES
MILNET
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Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ)
From: Patterns of Global Terrorism. United States Department of State Publication 10321
Description
The PIJ originated among militant Palestinian fundamentalists in the Gaza
Strip during the 1970s. The PIJ is a series of loosely affiliated factions,
rather than a cohesive group. The PIJ is committed to the creation of an
Islamic Palestinian state and the destruction of Israel through holy war.
Because of its strong support for Israel, the United States has been
identified as an enemy of the PIJ. The PIJ also opposes moderate Arab
governments that it believes have been tainted by Western secularism.
Activities
The PIJ demonstrated its terrorist credentials when it attacked a tour bus
in Egypt in February 1990 and killed 11 people, including nine Israelis.
The PIJ also has carried out crossborder raids against Israeli targets in
the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The PIJ has threatened to attack US interests
in Jordan. PIJ agents were arrested in Egypt in September 1991 while
attempting to enter the country to conduct terrorism. [PIJ militants have threatened to retaliate against
Israel and the United
States for the murder of PIJ leader Fathi Shaqaqi in Malta in October
1995. It has carried out suicide bombing attacks against Israeli targets
in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Israel.]
Strength
Unknown
Location/Area of Operation
Primarily Israel and the occupied territories and other parts of the Middle
East, including Jordan and Lebanon. [The largest faction is based
in Syria.]
External Aid
[Probably receives financial assistance from Iran and possibly some
assistance from Syria.]
Created: 04/02/95
Last Updated: 02/10/97
Page Maintained by George Goncalves - ggoncalves@nps.navy.mil