The Mackenzie Institute
Fatah al-Islam
Description/History:
Fatah al-Islam is a Sunni Islamic group based in Lebanon, founded by Shaker Abssi in late 2006. The group split from the Fatah al-Intifada group, which had once been a part of PLO’s Fatah, although neither seem affiliated with the group. Fatah al-Islam seeks to implement Islamic Sharia law in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, as well as oppose Israel and rid the region of US influences. The group consists of an assortment of Arabs, many of whom are veterans of the Iraq war, including Lebanese, Syrians, and a handful of Palestinians. Membership is estimated at around 150, with rather limited public support.
The group has some connections to Al Qaeda, including a personal history between Abssi and Abu al-Zarqawi. Although the group denies affiliation with Al Qaeda, it openly agrees with its ideology, and Al Qaeda has publicly defended the group against Lebanese countermeasures.
Despite numerous accusations, Lebanon, Syria, and Saudi Arabia each deny supporting the group.
Activities:
From May to June 2007, Fatah al-Islam clashed with Lebanese security from within the Nahr al-Bared, a UNRWA Palestinian refugee camp, by taking control of entrance posts after a Lebanese raid in response to a bank robbery. The battle resulted in dozens of casualties and temporarily worsened conditions in the camp.
Fatah al-Islam is also accused of several bombings, including some of those which occurred during the refugee camp conflict in 2007, an earlier bus bombing, and a car bombing in Damascus in 2008. The group is also accused of plotting assassinations against anti-Syrian officials.
Location:
Fatah al-Islam is based in Lebanon and is primarily concerned with the region’s Palestinian refugee camps.
Financing:
Financing of Fatah al-Islam is unknown. Lebanon has accused Syria of supporting the group as a means to weaken the Lebanese government; Syria has accused Lebanon of funding it in order to combat Hezbollah. Accusations of Saudi involvement as a counter to Hezbollah have also been advanced. It is unlikely that Al Qaeda contributes financially.