al-Qaida

From: Australian National Security. Attorney-General's Department
Comments on the content of the material should be sent to Australian National Security
See Also: Al Qaida Training Manual (English Translation)

Other Names

al-Qua'ida
al-Qaeda
al Kaeda
al Kwaeda

Description

Al Qaida ('The Base' or 'The Foundation') is a loose-knit grouping of individuals and organisations that espouse an Islamic extremist ideology, including advocating and undertaking acts of violence against those characterised as the 'enemies of Islam'. It was founded, and is led by Osama (Usama) bin Laden.

Al Qaida emerged in 1989 from the Makhtab al Khidemat (the 'Services Office'), a body established to finance and facilitate volunteers for the Mujahideen (Islamic Warriors) war against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan during the 1980s.

Apart from bin Laden, the Al Qaida leadership is known to have included leading members of the Egyptian Islamic Jihad (EIJ), the Egyptian Islamic Group (IG) and Harakat ul-Mujahideen (HUM).

The initial focus of Al Qaida was a general opposition to non-Islamic regimes. Following the Gulf War in 1990, the major focus of Al Qaida became the desire to rid the 'Islamic Holy Land' (Saudi Arabia) of the 'infidel' (US and other Western forces).

Al Qaida has supported Mujahideen campaigns in Afghanistan, Chechnya, Somalia, Yemen, Bosnia and Kosovo.

Activities

Terrorist attacks by Al Qaida have included:

• suicide truck bombings against the US Embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam on 7 August 1998 in which over 200 people were killed;
• the suicide attack against the USS Cole in Aden Harbour on 12 October 2000 which resulted in the deaths of 17 American soldiers; and
• the 11 September 2001 attacks, in which over 3000 people were killed.

Since 11 Sepbember 2001, there have been a number of terrorist attacks, which intelligence agencies advise have almost certainly been initiated or planned by Al Qaida. These include:

• an attack against worshippers at a synagogue in Tunisia on 11 April 2002 in which 19 people were killed;
• a bomb attack against the US Consulate in Karachi on 14 June 2002 in which 12 people were killed; and
• a suspected remote-control explosive-laden boat attack on the French oil tanker Limburg off Yemen on 6 October 2002 in which one crew member was killed.

Al Qaida has a long history of demonstrated involvement in terrorism, and has considerable resources to draw upon worldwide in continuing to support and carry out major acts of violence.

Strength

Unknown - believed to number 5000 - 7500

Location/Area of Operation

Worldwide

External Aid

Recieves 'donations' from individuals and other Terrorist groups in Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iran, Indonesia, Australia and Europe. Osama bin Laden's personal fortune is estimated at in excess of $US 1.5 Billion

See Also:
Al Qaida Training Manual (English Translation)