Terrorist Group Profiles

A reprint of a U. S. government study designed to provide the American people detailed information about key terrorist groups and thereby strip away much of their mystique. We anticipate it will be useful to researchers, students, the media, and others who follow terrorist issues. The study is divided into geographic sections that begin with an overview, followed by coverage of the key regional terrorist groups. Information includes an estimate of each group's membership strength, identities of key leaders, ideological orientation, target audiences, and a narrative description of the group's background.

By providing such detailed information, we can help the American people understand better the terrorist phenomenon and place it in perspective as one of many challenges we must confront in this complex and sometimes violent age.