Palestine Liberation Front (PLF)
Description
Terrorist group that broke away from the PFLP-GC in mid-1970s. Later split again into pro-PLO, pro-Syrian, and pro-Libyan factions. Pro-PLO faction led by Muhammad Abbas (Abu Abbas), who became member of PLO Executive Committee in 1984 but left it in 1991.
Activities
The Abu Abbas-led faction has carried out attacks against Israel. Abu Abbas planned the 1985 hijacking of the Italian cruise liner Achille Lauro in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. In the course of that hijacking a wheelchair-bound American citizen, Leon Klinghoffer, was murdered. A warrant for Abu Abbas's arrest was outstanding in Italy. Coalition special operations personnel in Baghdad captured Palestinian terrorist Abu Abbas 14 April 2003. Palestinian terrorist Abu Abbas died on 08 March 2004. Initial reports indicated that he died of natural causes. Efforts by medical personnel to revive him were unsuccessful.
Strength
At least 50.
Location/Area of Operation
PLO faction based in Tunisia until Achille Lauro attack. Based in Iraq until early 2003. For many years, Saddam Hussein provided a safe haven for Abbas and the terrorist organization he led, the Palestine Liberation Front.
External Aid
Received support mainly from Iraq, has received support from Libya in the past.
