Abu Sayyaf Crime, Ideology, Autonomy Movement? The Complex Evolution of a Militant Islamist Group in the Philippines

Posted to the Small Wars Journal (Oct 22): Abu Sayyaf Crime, Ideology, Autonomy Movement? The Complex Evolution of a Militant Islamist Group in the Philippines

Introduction:  Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) is a terrorist organization operating in the southern Philippines. Founded in Basilan Province, it is mainly located in the Sulu Archipelago in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.[1] ASG has been classified as a terrorist organization by the United States since October 1997.[2] The focus on ASG was intensified following the 9/11 attacks on the United States (US) based on a presumed association with Al Qaeda.[3] Throughout its existence beginning in the early 1990s, ASG has waffled back and forth between criminality and terrorism. Although ASG has committed terrorist acts, its actions did not always reflect an Islamic ideological basis and appeared to be base on monetary gains. More recently, ASG has returned to its roots embracing its extremist views and aligning itself with known militant organizations.[4] The history of its resistance and its cultural form of governance is necessary to understand the development of the organization. The ASG continues to go through an evolutionary process as do the factors that support its continuing operations....

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