From: Patterns of Global Terrorism, 2000. United States
Department of State, April 2001.
Islamic Jihad
Revolutionary Justice Organization
Organization of the
Oppressed on Earth
Islamic Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine
Description
Radical Shia group formed in Lebanon; dedicated to
creation of Iranian-style Islamic republic in Lebanon and removal of all
non-Islamic influences from the area. Strongly anti-West and anti-Israel.
Closely allied with, and often directed by, Iran but may have conducted
operations that were not approved by Tehran.
Activities
Known or suspected to have been involved in numerous
anti-US terrorist attacks, including the suicide truck bombing of the US Embassy
and US Marine barracks in Beirut in October 1983 and the US Embassy annex in
Beirut in September 1984. Elements of the group were responsible for the
kidnapping and detention of US and other Western hostages in Lebanon. The group
also attacked the Israeli Embassy in Argentina in 1992 and is a suspect in the
1994 bombing of the Israeli cultural center in Buenos Aires. In fall 2000, it
captured three Israeli soldiers in the Shabaa Farms and kidnapped an Israeli
noncombatant whom it may have lured to Lebanon under false pretenses.
Strength
Several thousand supporters and a few hundred terrrorist
operatives.
Location/Area of Operation
Operates in the Bekaa Valley, the
southern suburbs of Beirut, and southern Lebanon. Has established cells in
Europe, Africa, South America, North America, and Asia.
External Aid
Receives substantial amounts of financial, training,
weapons, explosives, political, diplomatic, and organizational aid from Iran and
Syria.