From: Patterns of Global Terrorism, 2000. United States
Department of State, April 2001.
Other Names
Islamic Group (IG)
Description
Egypt's largest militant group, active since the late
1970s; appears to be loosely organized. Has an external wing with a worldwide
presence. The group issued a cease-fire in March 1999, but its spiritual leader,
Shaykh Umar Abd al-Rahman, incarcerated in the United States, rescinded his
support for the cease-fire in June 2000. The Gama'a has not conducted an attack
inside Egypt since August 1998. Rifa'i Taha Musa-a hardline former senior member
of the group-signed Usama Bin Ladin's February 1998 fatwa calling for attacks
against US civilians. The IG since has publicly denied that it supports Bin
Ladin and frequently differs with public statements made by Taha Musa. Taha Musa
has in the last year sought to push the group toward a return to armed
operations, but the group, which still is led by Mustafa Hamza, has yet to break
the unilaterally declared cease-fire. In late 2000, Taha Musa appeared in an
undated video with Bin Ladin and Ayman al-Zawahiri threatening retaliation
against the United States for Abd al-Rahman's continued incarceration. The IG's
primary goal is to overthrow the Egyptian Government and replace it with an
Islamic state, but Taha Musa also may be interested in attacking US and Israeli
interests.
Activities
Group specialized in armed attacks against Egyptian
security and other government officials, Coptic Christians, and Egyptian
opponents of Islamic extremism before the cease-fire. From 1993 until the
cease-fire, al-Gama'a launched attacks on tourists in Egypt, most notably the
attack in November 1997 at Luxor that killed 58 foreign tourists. Also claimed
responsibility for the attempt in June 1995 to assassinate Egyptian President
Hosni Mubarak in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Gama'a has never specifically
attacked a US citizen or facility but has threatened US interests.
Strength
Unknown. At its peak the IG probably commanded several
thousand hard-core members and a like number of sympathizers. The 1998
cease-fire and security crackdowns following the attack in Luxor in 1997
probably have resulted in a substantial decrease in the group's numbers.
Location/Area of Operation
Operates mainly in the Al-Minya, Asyu't,
Qina, and Sohaj Governorates of southern Egypt. Also appears to have support in
Cairo, Alexandria, and other urban locations, particularly among unemployed
graduates and students. Has a worldwide presence, including Sudan, the United
Kingdom, Afghanistan, Austria, and Yemen.
External Aid
Unknown. The Egyptian Government believes that Iran,
Bin Ladin, and Afghan militant groups support the organization. Also may obtain
some funding through various Islamic nongovernmental organizations.