| Submit your comments on this article |
| Southeast Asia |
| JI trying to unite Filippino rebels |
| 2005-02-20 |
| Monday's terrorist attacks in Makati, Davao and General Santos cities have thrust the Jemaah Islamiah into the limelight again. The country's security authorities strongly suspect that the near-simultaneous bombings were orchestrated by the JI, using its links with such terrorist groups as the Abu Sayyaf and Balik Islam. As an integral part of the al-Qaeda network in Southeast Asia, the Jemaah Islamiah is believed to be trying to bring other rebel groups in Mindanao under its sphere of influence. The JI has long been suspected of having forged an alliance with the Abu Sayyaf, the most active terror group operating in the country. There are reports that it has brought into its fold Balik Islam members and is trying to forge a pact with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) guerrillas who remain loyal to Nur Misuari. With the exception of the New People's Army, JI has now access to all rebel forces operating in Mindanao and has given them technical and even financial support. JI is one of the most active terrorist organizations operating in Southeast Asia and has been blamed for several bombings in the past. The group, founded in the late seventies in Indonesia, has a long-term goal of establishing a Pan-Islamic state in the region. JI's network covers Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and possibly Thailand. It established its roots in the Philippines in the mid-nineties by forging an alliance with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which has fighting for an independent Islamic state in Mindanao. Through the years the MILF has provided JI operatives safe haven and a place where they could train their members in guerrilla warfare and explosives handling. JI has also helped train MILF fighters in bomb making and has even provided technical and financial assistance to MILF missions. With the MILF deep in peace talks with the Philippine government, the JI has been forced to expand its network in Mindanao. |
| Posted by:Dan Darling |