NCJ Number
85119
Journal
Journal of Security Administration Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (June 1982) Pages: 19-32
Date Published
1982
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This essay considers patterns of terrorism in the United States by such groups as Omega 7, the FALN, the Croatian National Resistance (OPTOR), and the Weather Underground Organization, and steps for dealing with terrorism in the United States are suggested.
Abstract
Omega 7, viewed by some experts as the most dangerous terrorist group operating in the United States, is at the forefront of the anti-Castro movement in the United States. Omega 7 activity is characterized by random violent acts whose targets are in some way perceived as being pro-Castro. OPTOR is an offshoot of the Croatian Revolutionary Brotherhood, the main terrorist group in Yugoslavia. Targets of terrorism by about 300 American members have generally been Yugoslavs in America who have not responded to demands for support of the terrorist group. FALN, one of a number of Puerto Rican independence groups, has a tradition of clandestine terrorist operations, including a May 16, 1981, pipe bombing at Kennedy Airport, which resulted in one death. The Weather Underground Organization and the Black Liberation Army have been linked together, as evidenced by a joint attempt to rob an armored car on October 20, 1981. Bank robberies and assaults on police officers have generally characterized the activities of these groups. Some efforts that can counter the activities of terrorist groups in the United States are improved intelligence, better physical defenses for both government and private business enterprises, the establishment of well-trained crisis management teams, tougher laws, and a modification of legal constraints on law enforcement during terrorist situations. Twenty-seven references and 51 bibliographic entries are provided.