Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08DAMASCUS443
2008-06-19 15:16:00
SECRET//NOFORN
Embassy Damascus
Cable title:
RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON FOREIGN
how-toVZCZCXRO3365 PP RUEHDE DE RUEHDM #0443 1711516 ZNY SSSSS ZZH P 191516Z JUN 08 FM AMEMBASSY DAMASCUS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5105 INFO RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD PRIORITY 0882 RUEHLB/AMEMBASSY BEIRUT PRIORITY 4940 RUEHTV/AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV PRIORITY 2171 RUEHDE/AMCONSUL DUBAI PRIORITY 0197 RUEHJM/AMCONSUL JERUSALEM PRIORITY 1587 RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY
S E C R E T DAMASCUS 000443
NOFORN
SIPDIS
S/CT ARIAS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/19/2018
TAGS: KCRM KJUS PTER PGOV ASEC PREL IS
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON FOREIGN
TERRORIST ORGANIZATION, THE PALESTINE LIBERATION FRONT (PLF)
REF: A. TD-314/51192-05 B. STATE 62588
Classified By: CDA Todd Holmstrom for reasons 1.4(b,d)
S E C R E T DAMASCUS 000443
NOFORN
SIPDIS
S/CT ARIAS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/19/2018
TAGS: KCRM KJUS PTER PGOV ASEC PREL IS
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON FOREIGN
TERRORIST ORGANIZATION, THE PALESTINE LIBERATION FRONT (PLF)
REF: A. TD-314/51192-05 B. STATE 62588
Classified By: CDA Todd Holmstrom for reasons 1.4(b,d)
1. (S/NF) Summary: Although anecdotal information suggests
the Palestine Liberation Front (PLF) remains in existence,
with representatives stationed here in Damascus, we have no
information on terrorist activities the PLF engaged in
between 2003 and 2008, nor we do we have any information on
the intent of the PLF to engage in terrorist activity. Some
evidence suggests that even if there was intent to undertake
terrorist operations, the organization does not have the
means to do so. End Summary.
2. (S/NF) DAO, GRPO and diplomatic contacts all report a
small, residual PLF presence in Syria but suggest that the
organization is "dormant" and "broke" at the moment.
3. (S/NF) Evidence suggesting the organization still exists
includes:
- (S/NF) On June 18, a Norwegian diplomatic contact reported
that the head of the Popular Palestinian Struggle Front
(PPSF),Khaled Abed Al-Majed, confirmed the existence of the
PLF here in Syria but noted that the organization's
membership is limited. Mohamed Al Batal, a representative of
the Palestine Liberation Organization, also confirmed the
existence of PLF members in Syria but was unable to offer
further details on the organization.
- (S/NF) As of July 2005, the PLF had an office in Damascus
located on al-Rawda Street in the al-Shami building, on the
first floor, across from the Argentine Embassy, according to
a Swedish government service. The office was used by Syrian
arms dealer Munzir al-Qassar to issue Iraqi passports (Ref
A).
4. (S/NF) GRPO reports that as of early 2004, the PLF faced
dire financial circumstances. The group comprised of less
than 100 full-time members at that time, according to GRPO.
Based on Post's limited visibility on the PLF, it most likely
has not increased its membership since 2004.
CORBIN
NOFORN
SIPDIS
S/CT ARIAS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/19/2018
TAGS: KCRM KJUS PTER PGOV ASEC PREL IS
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON FOREIGN
TERRORIST ORGANIZATION, THE PALESTINE LIBERATION FRONT (PLF)
REF: A. TD-314/51192-05 B. STATE 62588
Classified By: CDA Todd Holmstrom for reasons 1.4(b,d)
1. (S/NF) Summary: Although anecdotal information suggests
the Palestine Liberation Front (PLF) remains in existence,
with representatives stationed here in Damascus, we have no
information on terrorist activities the PLF engaged in
between 2003 and 2008, nor we do we have any information on
the intent of the PLF to engage in terrorist activity. Some
evidence suggests that even if there was intent to undertake
terrorist operations, the organization does not have the
means to do so. End Summary.
2. (S/NF) DAO, GRPO and diplomatic contacts all report a
small, residual PLF presence in Syria but suggest that the
organization is "dormant" and "broke" at the moment.
3. (S/NF) Evidence suggesting the organization still exists
includes:
- (S/NF) On June 18, a Norwegian diplomatic contact reported
that the head of the Popular Palestinian Struggle Front
(PPSF),Khaled Abed Al-Majed, confirmed the existence of the
PLF here in Syria but noted that the organization's
membership is limited. Mohamed Al Batal, a representative of
the Palestine Liberation Organization, also confirmed the
existence of PLF members in Syria but was unable to offer
further details on the organization.
- (S/NF) As of July 2005, the PLF had an office in Damascus
located on al-Rawda Street in the al-Shami building, on the
first floor, across from the Argentine Embassy, according to
a Swedish government service. The office was used by Syrian
arms dealer Munzir al-Qassar to issue Iraqi passports (Ref
A).
4. (S/NF) GRPO reports that as of early 2004, the PLF faced
dire financial circumstances. The group comprised of less
than 100 full-time members at that time, according to GRPO.
Based on Post's limited visibility on the PLF, it most likely
has not increased its membership since 2004.
CORBIN