RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ON FOREIGN

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