NCJ Number
78269
Date Published
1981
Length
363 pages
Annotation
Through profiles of left-wing terrorists and revolutionary groups that have been active during the 1970's this book examines relationships and Soviet support among an international network of terrorists who attack Western democracies and their allies.
Abstract
A brief history of the radical terrorist groups which emerged after 1968 discusses their methods, philosophy, and aid from Cuba and the Soviet Union. Profiles of prominent individuals involved in terrorist activities are then presented: Giangiacomo Feltrinelli, the wealthy Italian publisher who was blown up while trying to dynamite a high-tension pylon near Milan; Henri Curiel, the murdered leader of a Paris-based support group that funneled money, equipment, and other services to leftist groups; and 'Annababi' who had longstanding ties with terrorists, notably the Red Brigades. The organization of the terrorist gang called Operation Leo by Norbert Krocher is described, although the Swedish police arrested the leaders before they undertook any projects. The actions of the Palestinian group Black September in Europe are traced, followed by a biography of Carlos Martinez Torres, a Venezuelan assassin who worked for the Palestinians behind Black September. Also treated are the Provisional Irish Republican Army, the Basque nationlist underground and the Turkish People's Liberation Army. The confessions of Carolo Fioroni which revealed an alliance of terrorist killers in Italy known as The Organization are summarized. The book then addresses Soviet assistance given to terrorist gangs all over the world and channeled through Cuba or the Palestinians, as well as Soviet collaboration with Colonel Muammar Qaddafi. The concluding discussion offers additional evidence of Soviet involvement in international terrorism, describes governments' antiterrorist measures, and identifies internal factors which have contributed to the current collapse of terrorist organizations. Footnotes, photographs, approximately 100 references, and an index are provided.