NCJ Number
212229
Journal
Studies in Conflict & Terrorism Volume: 28 Issue: 6 Dated: November-December 2005 Pages: 453-479
Date Published
November 2005
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This article describes the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) 20 year history since its break from the secular Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the Philippines and its potential as a terrorist threat in its developed relationship with al Qaeda.
Abstract
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its formal founding. The MILF began its break away from the secular Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the Southern Philippines in 1978. Losing a great deal of state support in the 1990s, the MILF forged a tentative relationship with al Qaeda, receiving money through Saudi charities, as well as limited military training. The MILF has become an issue for the United States due to it relationship with al Qaeda, specifically al Qaeda-linked terrorist groups receiving training in MILF camps. This paper discusses the peace talks between the government of the Philippines and the MILF, as well as with the United States. It addresses the specific questions: what is the state of the ongoing peace talks; has the MILF survived their fist secession and is the organization cohesive; what are the MILF’s military capabilities; what are their links to Jemaah Islamiyah; and what are their links to the Abu Sayaaf Group. 122 Notes