Other Names
 

Description
Terrorism in Algeria is conducted by a number of indigenous Islamic militant groups seeking to overthrow the current secular regime and establish an Islamic state. Algerian violence began following the ouster of President Bendjedid in 1992 and the follow-on regime's voiding of the Islamic Salvation Front's (FIS) victory in parliamentary elections of December 1991. Following a government crackdown in which many FIS leaders were imprisoned or exiled, the Islamic movement in Algeria splintered into numerous militant groups, not all of which are affiliated with the FIS. Groups that have been responsible for terrorist attacks are the Armed Islamic Group (AIG), the Movement for an Islamic State (MIS), the Army of the Prophet Muhammad, the United Company of Jihad, and the Armed Islamic Movement (AIM).

Activities
Frequent attacks against regime targets, particularly police, security personnel, and government officials; these include assassinations and bombings. Algerian terrorists have turned increasingly to violence against civilians. Since June 1993, for example, they have killed seven Algerian journalists. In September 1993, Algerian terrorists began targeting foreign nationals in Algeria, murdering two Frenchmen. In October, they killed five foreign nationals and kidnapped several more, including three French Consular officials, and threatened to begin indiscriminate attacks on all foreign residents by December. Since 1992, at least 1,500 people have died in Algerian violence.

Strength
Unknown

Location/Area of Operation
Algeria

External Aid
Algerian expatriates, many of whom reside in Western Europe, probably provide some financial support. In addition, Algiers accuses Iran and Sudan of supporting Algerian extremists and severed diplomatic relations with Iran in March 1993.