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TERRORISM
OSAMA BIN LANDEN
By: Miami Herald
Osama bin Laden is considered an inspirational and financial force
behind terrorist activities around the world. Here are some facts about
him:
Bin Laden, a skilled businessman and fundraiser, runs several Islamic
cha-ritable and educational organizations.
Invests in about 60 legitimate companies, varying from agriculture to
banking and construction, which may provide a cover for terrorist
activities.
Said to have $200-$400 million at his disposal.
Uses system of laptop computers that transmit encrypted communications
via satellite.
Headquarters in Jalalabad, Afghanistan
Has armed security force.
Does not stay in one place too long.
Said to have several thousand com-mitted followers.
HIS GOALS
To form an international organization supporting the creation of the
"Khalifa," an Islamic concept meaning a leader chosen by the most
knowledgeable Muslims to lead the "umma" or world-wide Muslim community.
To drive the United States from all Muslim lands, especially in the
Arabian peninsula.
To "liberate" Islam’s three holiest places, Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem.
HIS CONNECTIONS
The CIA says Osama bin Laden has been associated with almost every
Muslim extremist movement in the world in the past five years. He is
often called the godfather of radical Islamic views.
HIS CALL
Bin Laden says, "The ruling to kill the Americans and their allies is an
individual duty for every Muslim who can do it, in order to liberate the
Al Aqsa Mosque [Jerusalem] and the Holy Mosque [Mecca] . . . This is in
accordance with the words of Almighty God."
TERRORIST GROUPS
Islamic Jihad: Terrorist group trained by bin Laden’s Sudan camps; gave
warning before 1998’s U.S. embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania.
The International Islamic Front to Fight Crusaders and Jews: Bin Laden
is the reported founder; the group issued a fatwa, or religious edict,
shortly after the embassy bombings in east Africa: "Strikes will
continue from everywhere" against the United States.
Extremist groups in Algeria and Egypt financed by bin Laden
international terrorist groups: Bin Laden reportedly financed training
camps for groups from Algeria, Tunisia, Bosnia, Chechnya, Philippines,
Syria, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Uganda and Somalia
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