The acts of terrorism that have been committed around the world have been carried out by a wide variety of terrorist organisations that are driven by a variety of different ideologies and reasons. This article sheds light on the activities, affects, and historical background of the ten terrorist organisations that have been the deadliest in the history of the globe.
Irish Republican Army
The Irish Republican Army (IRA) was a terrorist organisation that operated primarily in Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom. Its goal was to overthrow British control in Northern Ireland and create one unified Irish state. Their campaign consisted of bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings. Which led to years of violence and political unrest after it was over. The signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 was a key turning point. Which ultimately led to the disarmament of the Irish Republican Army (IRA).
FARC: Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia
The FARC initially formed in the 1960s with the intention of overthrowing the government of Colombia. Its motive was establishing a Marxist-Leninist state. The operations of the group, which included kidnappings, bombings, and attacks on infrastructure. It led to a protracted battle that resulted in the deaths of thousands of people. As well as the displacement of millions more. Following the signing of a peace pact several years ago, the FARC has evolved into a political party.
Brigades Rouges
The Red Brigades, a violent organisation associated with the far left that operated in Italy throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Politicians, law enforcement officials, and corporate executives were all on their hit list as potential victims. Moreover, The group’s history of violence had a significant and lasting effect on Italian culture.
The Shining Way (Sendero Luminoso)
Shining Path was an organisation that originated in Peru in 1980 with the goal of using violent means to build a communist state. The actions of the group caused a substantial number of casualties as well as social turmoil. While, Some of the gang’s methods included bombings, assassinations, and massacres. Shining Path’s legacy will continue to have an impact on Peru even though the group’s power has declined.
The Army of National Liberation (ELN).
The National Liberation Army (ELN) was yet another leftist guerrilla group that emerged in Colombia in the 1960s with the intention of establishing a socialist state. The ELN has contributed to Colombia’s decades-long conflict by engaging in kidnappings, bombings, and attacks on infrastructure. As a result, the populace subjected to instability and suffering as a result of the conflict.
Basque Country and Individual Liberties (ETA)
ETA was a Basque separatist group that had operations in both Spain and France. Its goal was to found an independent Basque state. The group’s campaign of bombings, killings, and kidnappings resulted in a substantial number of casualties. As well as social instability over the course of its decades-long existence. In 2018, ETA made the announcement that it will be disbanding, putting an end to the group’s violent actions.
NPA: New People’s Army.
In 1969, the New People’s Army (NPA), established in the Philippines with the intention of establishing a communist state. The actions of the group, which include engaging in guerrilla warfare, killings, and attacks on infrastructure, have contributed to the instability that exists in the Philippines and have hampered the development of specific areas.
RZ Cells: Revolutionary Cells
The Revolutionary Cells were a far-left extremist group who focused their activities mostly in West Germany throughout the 1970s. Moreover, The group responsible for a string of terrorist attacks, including bombings, kidnappings, and robberies, committed against symbols of imperialism and capitalism.
Underground Weather Services
The Weather Underground was a radical left-wing organisation that operated in the United States throughout the 1970s. The group attempted to overthrow the government of the United States of America by engaging in activities such as bombings and acts of sabotage in order to voice their opposition to the Vietnam War.
JRA: Japanese Red Army.
The JRA was a far-left extremist group that had its roots in Japan and recognised for its involvement in worldwide activities. The goal of the Japanese Red Army (JRA) was to confront capitalism regimes all over the world by engaging in activities such as bombings, seizing hostages, and hijacking aeroplanes.
An indelible footprint has been left on history by terrorism, which, in its many guises, has been responsible for untold suffering and the breakdown of social order. While, Each of the ten terrorist organisations that are discussed in this article has made a contribution to this legacy. Their actions, intentions, and impacts highlight how important it is to have a comprehensive grasp of the nuances surrounding terrorism in order to make strides towards a more safe and peaceful world.
