NAME: Armed Islamic Group (GIA)
DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: 1992.
GOALS: GIA aims to overthrow the secular Algerian regime and replace it with an Islamic state.
MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: None.
STRENGTH: Unknown, probably several hundred to several thousand.
OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Algeria.
AFFILIATIONS: Algerian expatriates and members of the Salafi Group for Call and Combat (GSPC) splinter group abroad, many of whom reside in Western Europe, provide financial and logistic support. In addition, the Algerian government has accused Iran and Sudan of supporting Algerian extremists.
COMMENTS: The GSPC splinter faction appears to have eclipsed the GIA since approximately 1998 and is currently assessed to be the most effective remaining armed group inside Algeria. A U.S. Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) listed as "active" during 2000.
DATE STARTED/FIRST ACTIVE: 1992.
GOALS: GIA aims to overthrow the secular Algerian regime and replace it with an Islamic state.
MAIN ANTI-U.S. ACTIVITIES TO DATE: None.
STRENGTH: Unknown, probably several hundred to several thousand.
OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS: Algeria.
AFFILIATIONS: Algerian expatriates and members of the Salafi Group for Call and Combat (GSPC) splinter group abroad, many of whom reside in Western Europe, provide financial and logistic support. In addition, the Algerian government has accused Iran and Sudan of supporting Algerian extremists.
COMMENTS: The GSPC splinter faction appears to have eclipsed the GIA since approximately 1998 and is currently assessed to be the most effective remaining armed group inside Algeria. A U.S. Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) listed as "active" during 2000.