Country Reports on Terrorism 2012

Activities: Since 2007, when AQIM bombed the UN headquarters building in Algiers and an
Algerian government building outside of Algiers killing 60 people, AQIM had been relatively
quiet and focused on its kidnapping for ransom efforts. In 2011 and 2012, however, AQIM took
advantage of the deteriorating security situation in northern Africa to plan and conduct
operations. In 2011, AQIM targeted Mauritanian President Muhammad Abdel Aziz and
detonated a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) in Nouakchott, injuring nine
soldiers, and also claimed responsibility for multiple suicide bomb attacks against Algerian
military and police targets, which killed at least 20 people and wounded almost 50 others. In
January 2012, Algerian authorities disrupted an AQIM plot targeting U.S. or European ships in
the Mediterranean Sea. Some militants with ties to AQIM were involved in the September 11
attack on U.S. facilities in Benghazi that killed J. Christopher Stevens, the U.S. Ambassador to
Libya, and three staff members.
In addition to conducting attacks, AQIM also conducted kidnap for ransom operations. The
targets are usually Western citizens from governments or third parties that have established a
pattern of making concessions in the form of ransom payments for the release of individuals in
custody. In September 2010, AQIM claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of seven people
working at a uranium mine in Niger. AQIM released three of the hostages in February 2011, but
at the end of 2012, four French citizens remained in captivity.
AQIM continued its kidnapping operations in 2012. In May, AQIM killed a German hostage in
Nigeria during a military raid. AQIM was also believed to be behind the December kidnapping
of a French engineer in northern Nigeria, an operation that resulted in the death of two Nigerians.
Strength: AQIM has under a thousand fighters operating in Algeria with a smaller number in the
Sahel. It is attempting to take advantage of the volatile political situation in the Sahel, especially
in Mali, to expand its membership, resources, and operations.
Location/Area of Operation: Northeastern Algeria (including but not limited to the Kabylie
region) and northern Mali, Niger, and Mauritania.
Funding and External Aid: AQIM members engaged in kidnapping for ransom and criminal
activities to finance their operations. Algerian expatriates and AQIM supporters abroad – many
residing in Western Europe – may also provide limited financial and logistical support.
REAL IRA
aka RIRA; Real Irish Republican Army; 32 County Sovereignty Committee; 32 County
Sovereignty Movement; Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association; Real Oglaigh Na
hEireann
Description: Designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization on May 16, 2001, the Real IRA
(RIRA) was formed in 1997 as the clandestine armed wing of the 32 County Sovereignty
Movement, a “political pressure group” dedicated to removing British forces from Northern
Ireland and unifying Ireland. The RIRA has historically sought to disrupt the Northern Ireland
peace process and did not participate in the September 2005 weapons decommissioning. In
September 1997, the 32 County Sovereignty Movement opposed Sinn Fein’s adoption of the
Mitchell principles of democracy and non-violence. Despite internal rifts and calls by some
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