| INTERNATIONAL TERRORIST SYMBOLS DATABASE |
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| Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades (1)
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Other Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades Symbols:
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Description: A shield is superimposed across the Arabic word "Fatah." On the shield, two fists clutch rifles; the "arms" leading to the fists are represented by Palestinian flags. Between and above the rifles is a green map of Israel and the territories. Red script across the map says "storm."
The word "Al Fatah" appears under a grenade at the bottom of the shield. On the black relief below the shield Arabic script says "Palestinian National Liberation Movement." Below that, black lettering declares "revolution until victory."
Explanation: This busy emblem - which is also used by the mainstream Fatah political party - emphasizes the militancy of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades. The rifles, fists, grenade and phrases like "revolution until victory" reinforce the theme. The colors - black, green, red and white - represent Palestinian nationalism, as do the Palestinian flags.
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| Name Variations | Overview | Focus of Operations | Major Attacks | Leaders | Ideology | Goals | Methods | Sponsors | U.S.- Related Activities | |
Name Variations
Palestinian National Liberation Movement Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades
Overview
The Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades was formed as the military arm of Yasser Arafat's political party, Fatah, shortly after the outbreak of the second intifada in September 2000. Financed in part by the Palestinian Authority, it has conducted some of the conflict's deadliest and most destructive attacks on Israeli civilians, and was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. in 2002. Like Fatah, it is a secular organization whose ideology - although colored by Islam - is centered on Palestinian nationalism. Several of its leaders were killed or arrested during the second intifada, but the organization remains a major force. Its operation has become more decentralized, with actions conducted by local cells throughout the territories.
Focus of Operations
West Bank, Gaza, Israel
Major Attacks
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January 5, 2003: Claimed responsibility for twin suicide bombings in downtown Tel Aviv.23 killed, 100 injured.
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March 9, 2002: Claimed responsibility for suicide bombing in a Jerusalem café. 11 killed, over 50 wounded.
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January, 27 2002: Dispatched first female suicide bomber, who detonated twenty pounds of explosives in central Jerusalem, killing 1 and injuring over 100.
Leaders
- Marwan Barghouti (serving five consecutive life terms in Israel for terrorist activity)
Ideology
Secular Palestinian nationalism
Goals
Establishment of a Palestinian state through armed uprising.
Methods
Suicide bombings, paramilitary operations against civilian and military targets.
Sponsors
Iran, Hezbollah, the Palestinian Authority --although since 2002 the PA has distanced itself from the brigades.
U.S.-Related Activities
Designated by the U.S. as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.
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