Hizballah (Party of God)

From: Patterns of Global Terrorism. United States Department of State Publication 10321

Other Names

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 area. Strongly anti-West and anti-Israel. Closely allied with, and often directed by, Iran, but may have conducted rogue 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. Group also hijacked TWA 847 in 1985. Elements of the group were responsible for the kidnapping and detention of most, if not all, USand other Western hostages in Lebanon. Islamic Jihad publicly claimed responsibility for the carbombing of Israel's Embassy in Buenos Aires in March 1992.

Strength

Several thousand.

Location/Area of Operation

Operates in the [Al Biqa'] (Bekaa valley), the southern suburbs of Beirut, and southern Lebanon. Has established cells in Europe, Africa, South America, NorthAmerica, and elsewhere.

External Aid

Receives substantial amounts of financial, training, weapons, explosives,political, diplomatic, and organizational aid from Iran.