1 October Antifascist Resistance Group (GRAPO)
Description
Small, Maoist urban terrorist group established in 1975. Loosely associated with the Spanish Communist Party-Reconstituted. Seeks to remove US military forces from Spain and establish a revolutionary regime.
Activities
Carried out small-scale bombing attacks on US and NATO facilities in early 1980s; capabilities reduced by arrests since 1985. During 1991, GRAPO claimed responsibility for bombing a rail line outside Madrid and segments of the NATO pipeline in Spain.
Strength
According to the State Department Patterns of Global Terrorism 2003 Report, fewer than two-dozen activists remain. Police have made periodic large-scale arrests of GRAPO members, crippling the organization and forcing it into lengthy rebuilding periods. In 2002, Spanish and French authorities arrested 22 suspected members, including some of the group's reconstituted leadership. Three more members were arrested in December 2003.
Location/Area of Operation
Spain.
External Aid
Reported to have had ties to the French Action Directe and the Italian Red Brigades. The German RAF has sought ties to the group.
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