Armed Islamic Group
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- Category: History: Middle Eastern
- Date Submitted: 03/24/2014 11:48 AM
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Joel Villahermosa,
Armed Islamic Group of Algeria
The Armed Islamic Group of Algeria also known by its French acronym the GIA is an Islamic Extremist group that started in the 90’s. The goal of the GIA is to aim to overthrow the secular Algerian regime and replace it with an Islamic state; they mainly operate out of Algeria. In early 1992 after Algiers voided the victory of the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) The GIA began its violent activities. They did this by making public threats, Threats to foreigner by telling them if they don’t leave they risk their own life. They also murdered anyone they could that was involved with the government.
The precise number of member in the GIA is unknown but is estimated that 10,000 men are members of the GIA. The GIA mainly recruits among former Algerian volunteers trained in guerilla tactics by the Afghan freedom fighters, and others who fought in Bosnia, as well as among young men from the most disadvantaged social groups. Many members of the dissolved FIS joined its ranks and local gangs of petty criminals and dealers are also said to be mixed up in its activities. A large part of its membership is said to be of Kabyle or Berber origin.
The GIA stole and robbed money from banks and people. Some members sold narcotics and illegal firearms. Along with these firearms they would commit violent acts such as massacre small villages, attack civilians and attacked woman who did not cover their face out in public. They also attacked journalist who spoke out against them. Also kidnapped woman and raped them. In the last year, the GIA has embarked on a terrorist campaign of civilian massacres, sometimes wiping out entire villages in its area of operations and frequently killing hundreds of civilians. According to officials in 2000, the rate of killings was at 300 a month. Over 630 people were killed in 2002.
The Capital of Algeria became known as their main spot to terrorize, it became known as the kill zone. They did by...
Armed Islamic Group of Algeria
The Armed Islamic Group of Algeria also known by its French acronym the GIA is an Islamic Extremist group that started in the 90’s. The goal of the GIA is to aim to overthrow the secular Algerian regime and replace it with an Islamic state; they mainly operate out of Algeria. In early 1992 after Algiers voided the victory of the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) The GIA began its violent activities. They did this by making public threats, Threats to foreigner by telling them if they don’t leave they risk their own life. They also murdered anyone they could that was involved with the government.
The precise number of member in the GIA is unknown but is estimated that 10,000 men are members of the GIA. The GIA mainly recruits among former Algerian volunteers trained in guerilla tactics by the Afghan freedom fighters, and others who fought in Bosnia, as well as among young men from the most disadvantaged social groups. Many members of the dissolved FIS joined its ranks and local gangs of petty criminals and dealers are also said to be mixed up in its activities. A large part of its membership is said to be of Kabyle or Berber origin.
The GIA stole and robbed money from banks and people. Some members sold narcotics and illegal firearms. Along with these firearms they would commit violent acts such as massacre small villages, attack civilians and attacked woman who did not cover their face out in public. They also attacked journalist who spoke out against them. Also kidnapped woman and raped them. In the last year, the GIA has embarked on a terrorist campaign of civilian massacres, sometimes wiping out entire villages in its area of operations and frequently killing hundreds of civilians. According to officials in 2000, the rate of killings was at 300 a month. Over 630 people were killed in 2002.
The Capital of Algeria became known as their main spot to terrorize, it became known as the kill zone. They did by...