From: Patterns of Global Terrorism, 2000. United States
Department of State, April 2001.
Euzkadi Ta Askatasuna
Description
Founded in 1959 with the aim of establishing an
independent homeland based on Marxist principles in the northern Spanish
Provinces of Vizcaya, Guipuzcoa, Alava, and Navarra and the southwestern French
Provinces of Labourd, Basse-Navarra, and Soule.
Activities
Primarily bombings and assassinations of Spanish
Government officials, especially security and military forces, politicians, and
judicial figures. ETA finances its activities through kidnappings, robberies,
and extortion. The group has killed more than 800 persons since it began lethal
attacks in the early 1960s. In November 1999, ETA broke its "unilateral and
indefinite" cease-fire and began an assassination and bombing campaign that
killed 23 individuals and wounded scores more by the end of 2000.
Strength
Unknown; may have hundreds of members, plus supporters.
Location/Area of Operation
Operates primarily in the Basque
autonomous regions of northern Spain and southwestern France, but also has
bombed Spanish and French interests elsewhere.
External Aid
Has received training at various times in the past in
Libya, Lebanon, and Nicaragua. Some ETA members allegedly have received
sanctuary in Cubawhile others reside in South America. Also appears to have ties
to the Irish Republican Army through the two groups' legal political wings.