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 overlapping militant Uighur groups are linked to the international mujahidin movement and to a limited degree al-Qaeda - beginning with the participation of ethnic Uighur mujahidin in the Soviet/Afghan war.

Activities

US and Chinese Government information suggests ETIM was responsible for terrorist acts inside and outside China. Most recently, in May 2002, two ETIM members were deported to China from Kyrgyzstan for plotting to attack the US Embassy in Kyrgyzstan as well as other US interests abroad.

Strength

Unknown. Only a small minority of ethnic Uighurs supports the Xinjiang independence movement or the formation of an East Turkistan.

Location/Area of Operation

Xinjiang Province and neighboring countries in the region.

External Aid

ETIM is suspected of having received training and financial assistance from al-Qaeda.

a.k.a. Grupo de Resistencia Anti-Fascista Primero de Octubre

Description

Formed in 1975 as the armed wing of the illegal Communist Party of Spain during the Franco era. Advocates the overthrow of the Spanish Government and its replacement with a Marxist-Leninist regime. GRAPO is vehemently anti-US, seeks the removal of all US military forces from Spanish territory, and has conducted and attempted several attacks against US targets since 1977. The group issued a communique following the 11 September attacks in the United States, expressing its satisfaction that "symbols of Primero de Octubre imperialist power" were decimated and affirming that "the war" has only just begun.

Activities

GRAPO did not mount a successful terrorist attack in 2002. GRAPO has killed more than 90 persons and injured more than 200. The group's operations traditionally have been designed to cause material damage and gain publicity rather than inflict casualties, but the terrorists have conducted lethal bombings and close-range