From: Patterns of Global Terrorism, 2000. United States
Department of State, April 2001.
Devrimci Sol (Revolutionary Left)
Dev Sol
Description
Originally formed in 1978 as Devrimci Sol, or Dev Sol,
a splinter faction of the Turkish People's Liberation Party/ Front. Renamed in
1994 after factional infighting, it espouses a Marxist ideology and is
virulently anti-US and anti-NATO. Finances its activities chiefly through armed
robberies and extortion.
Activities
Since the late 1980s has concentrated attacks against
current and retired Turkish security and military officials. Began a new
campaign against foreign interests in 1990. Assassinated two US military
contractors and wounded a US Air Force officer to protest the Gulf war. Launched
rockets at US Consulate in Istanbul in 1992. Assassinated prominent Turkish
businessman and two others in early 1996, its first significant terrorist act as
DHKP/C. Turkish authorities thwarted DHKP/C attempt in June 1999 to fire light
antitank weapon at US Consulate in Istanbul. Series of safehouse raids, arrests
by Turkish police over last two years has weakened group significantly. Turkish
security forces stormed prison wards controlled by the DHKP/C in December 2000,
transferring militants to cell-type penitentiaries and further undermining
DHKP/C cohesion.
Strength
Unknown.
Location/Area of Operation
Conducts attacks in Turkey, primarily in
Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Adana. Raises funds in Western Europe.
External Aid
Unknown.