Database: Identifiers of Designated Islamic Terrorist Organizations

Palestine Liberation Front

Designated as terrorist by: Canada, United States

Base of operations: Lebanon, Palestinian Territories

Background: START (University of Maryland)
Background: Institute for the Study of Violent Groups

Founded independently but later existing as part of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and PFLP-General Command, the Palestine Liberation Front (PLF) split from the latter in 1977 and further divided into pro-PLO, pro-Syrian, and pro-Libyan factions. In 1985, the pro-PLO wing headed by Muhammad Zaidan (Abu Abbas) hijacked the Italian-owned cruise ship Achille Lauro and held the crew and passengers hostage in the Mediterranean. Disabled American Leon Klinghoffer was killed and thrown overboard. Abbas fled to Iraq. The PLF, known for its unique instruments of terror, such as hand gliders, kept attacking Israel into the 1990s. Though Abbas agreed to abandon terrorism following the 1993 Oslo Accords, the primarily nationalist and secular group's goals continue to include bringing an end to the state of Israel and establishing a Palestinian state in its place. Abbas was captured by U.S. forces in Iraq in 2003 and died in custody. Today, the PLF mainly finds support in Lebanese refugee camps.

Palestine Liberation Front Flag