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Algerian Civil War
Conflict between the Algerian government and several rebel groups has led to civil war within the country. It started when the National Liberation Front cancelled the elections and removed the president from power. Rebel groups (such as the Armed Islamic Group: GIA) began rebelling against the government and killing innocent people, all in an attempt to overthrow the government. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algerian_Civil_War -
Separation from GIA
In 1998, the GSPC separated themselves from the Armed Islamic Group (GIA). They separated themselves because they believed that the brutal tactics the GIA was using was hurting the Islamic cause. After a few years, the people heard about the new group, joined, and became larger than the GIA. The group is now the largest Islamic force in Algeria. http://www.cfr.org/north-africa/al-qaeda-islamic-maghreb-aqim/p12717 -
GSPC is formed
The group broke away from the Armed Islamic Group who was in power from 1992-2000. They broke away because they believe in a more pure interpretation of the Koran. They also believe that in order to take over the government, they must attack Algerian militants and place less stress on attacking civilians. http://www.start.umd.edu/start/data_collections/tops/terrorist_organization_profile.asp?id=3777 -
Abu Musab Abdul Wadud
Abu Musab Abdul Wadud is the current leader of the AQIM. He became leader after the death of the previous leader Nabil Sahraoui. While he has been in power, he has ordered several terrorist attacks on innocent people. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17308138 -
Nabil Sahraoui death
In 2003, Nabil Sahraoui took leadership of the GSPC (later known as AQIM). He pledged his allegiance to Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda organization. Later, in 2004, he was shot and killed in a shootout with the Algerian military and was then replaced by Abu Musab Abdel Wadoud. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nabil_Sahraoui -
Recent threats in US
Kamel Bourgass, a member of the AQIM, was convicted for public nousance by of use of poisons and/or explosives. He has been connected to Abu Doha who was linked to the plot to blow up the Los Angeles international airport. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4433709.stm -
GSPC to AQIM
In February of 2007, the GSPC changed their name to AQIM. The GSPC joined forces with Al-Qaeda earlier in 2006 and changed their name later on to show that they were affiliated with each other. http://www.start.umd.edu/start/data_collections/tops/terrorist_organization_profile.asp?id=3777 -
U.S. Involvement
"In December 2007, the US Dept. of the Treasury imposed financial sanctions on him and froze his assets." By doing this, the U.S. has tried to at least slow down the AQIM. Currently, they are asking for ransoms for their captives. https://atfp.org/adopt/terrorist/abu-musab-abdel-wadoud/ -
Current targets
The US obtains a tape from Abu Musab Abdel Wadoud expressing his feelings on the Israli invasion of Gaza. He feels that the Algerian government is at fault for the plight of the Gaza people. He relays new information of who the new targets are: "'Jewish', 'crusader', and 'apostate' targets in vengeance for Israeli attacks on Gaza." http://counterterrorismblog.org/2009/02/nefa_foundation_aqims_abu_musa.php -
Connection to AQIM and attack in Libya
Hilary Clinton suggests that there is a link between the AQIM and the attack on the American diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya. There was protest at first and then the protest got violent and resulted in the deaths of the American ambassador and three others. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/27/world/africa/clinton-cites-clear-link-between-al-qaeda-and-attack-in-libya.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all
