Database: Identifiers of Designated Islamic Terrorist Organizations

Abu Nidal Organization

Designated as terrorist by: Canada, United Kingdom, United States

Base of operations: Lebanon

Background: Council on Foreign Relations
Background: U.S. Department of State

The Abu Nidal Organization (ANO) was founded in 1974 by Sabri al-Banna, a.k.a. Abu Nidal ("Father of the Struggle"), after splitting from the PLO, which he accused of selling out in the conflict with Israel. It has no interest in participating in the Middle East peace process and seeks to eliminate the Jewish state. The ANO's most recognized terrorist incidents include attacks on the Rome and Vienna airports in 1985, the 1986 Neve Shalom Synagogue assault in Istanbul, and the 1986 hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in Karachi. It has also been suspected of several high-profile assassinations of PLO and Jordanian officials. Though around 900 persons have been killed or injured by the group in 20 different countries, it has not staged a major attack on Western targets since the 1980s. The leadership of the organization has been relatively unclear following Abu Nidal's 2002 death in Iraq. Its strength has dwindled, but the ANO is believed to retain a presence in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon.

Abu Nidal Organization Flag