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Other Names
Devrimci Sol (Revolutionary Left)
Dev Sol
Devrimci Halk Kurtulus Partisi-Cephesi (DHKP/C)
Dev Sol Silahli Devrimci Birlikleri
Dev Sol SDB
Dev Sol Armed Revolutionary Units
Description
Originally formed in 1978 as Devrimci Sol, or
Dev Sol, a splinter faction of the Turkish People's
Liberation Party/ Front. Renamed in 1994 after
factional infighting, it espouses a Marxist ideology
and is virulently anti-US and anti-NATO. Finances
its activities chiefly through armed robberies
and extortion.
Activities
Since the late 1980s has concentrated attacks
against current and retired Turkish security and
military officials. Began a new campaign against
foreign interests in 1990. Assassinated two US
military contractors and wounded a US Air Force
officer to protest the Gulf war. Launched rockets
at US Consulate in Istanbul in 1992. Assassinated
prominent Turkish businessman and two others in
early 1996, its first significant terrorist act
as DHKP/C. Turkish authorities thwarted DHKP/C
attempt in June 1999 to fire light antitank weapon
at US Consulate in Istanbul. Series of safehouse
raids, arrests by Turkish police over last two
years has weakened group significantly. Turkish
security forces stormed prison wards controlled
by the DHKP/C in December 2000, transferring militants
to cell-type penitentiaries and further undermining
DHKP/C cohesion.
Strength
Unknown.
Location/Area of Operation
Conducts attacks in Turkey, primarily in Istanbul,
Ankara, Izmir, and Adana. Raises funds in Western
Europe.
External Aid
Unknown.
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