Description
Egyptian Islamic extremist group active since the late 1970s. Merged with Bin
Ladin’s al-Qaida organization in June 2001, but may retain some capability to
conduct independent operations. Primary goals are to overthrow the Egyptian
Government and replace it with an Islamic state and to attack US and Israeli
interests in Egypt and abroad.
Activities
Historically specialized in armed attacks against high-level Egyptian Government
personnel, including cabinet ministers, and car bombings against official US and
Egyptian facilities. The original Jihad was responsible for the assassination in
1981 of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat. Claimed responsibility for the attempted
assassinations of Interior Minister Hassan al-Alfi in August 1993 and Prime
Minister Atef Sedky in November 1993. Has not conducted an attack inside Egypt
since 1993 and has never targeted foreign tourists there. Responsible for
Egyptian Embassy bombing in Islamabad in 1995; in 1998 an attack against US
Embassy in Albania was thwarted.
Strength
Unknown, but probably has several hundred hard-core members.
Location/Area of Operation
Historically operated in the Cairo area, but most of its network is outside
Egypt, including Yemen, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Lebanon, and the United Kingdom,
and its activities have been centered outside Egypt for several years.
External Aid
Unknown. The Egyptian Government claims that Iran supports the Jihad. Its merger
with al-Qaida also boosts Bin Ladin’s support for the group. Also may obtain
some funding through various Islamic nongovernmental organizations, cover
businesses, and criminal acts.