Palestine Liberation Front

From: Patterns of Global Terrorism, 2001. United States Department of State, May 2002.

Comments on the content of the material should be sent to the U.S. Department of State

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Description Broke away from the PFLP-GC in mid-1970s. Later split again into pro-PLO, pro-Syrian, and pro-Libyan factions. Pro-PLO faction led by Muhammad Abbas (Abu Abbas), who became member of PLO Executive Committee in 1984 but left it in 1991.

Activities The Abu Abbas–led faction is known for aerial attacks against Israel. Abbas’s group also was responsible for the attack in 1985 on the cruise ship Achille Lauro and the murder of US citizen Leon Klinghoffer. A warrant for Abu Abbas’s arrest is outstanding in Italy.

Strength Unknown.

Location/Area of Operation PLO faction based in Tunisia until Achille Lauro attack. Now based in Iraq.

External Aid Receives support mainly from Iraq. Has received support from Libya in the past.