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Structure and Dynamics of Italian Terrorism (From Clandestine Tactics and Technology - A Technical and Background Intelligence Data Service, Volume 6 - See NCJ-77153)

NCJ Number
76494
Author(s)
V S Pisano
Date Published
1980
Length
34 pages
Annotation
The components, ideologies, targeting techniques, and transnational and international aspects of Italian terrorism are discussed, and the countermeasures used against Italian terrorism are analyzed.
Abstract
Italian domestic terrorism is kept alive by four components corresponding to the separatist, anarchist, neo-Fascist, and Marxist-Leninist ideologies, respectively. To these can be added foreign terrorist elements that occasionally operate in Italy, mostly against non-Italian targets. The Marxist-Leninist component is the best organized and the most menacing. Leftist bands are responsible for the escalation, intensity, and unprecedented sophistication of present-day terrorism in Italy. Some of these groups entertain contacts with sister bands abroad. The rightist component is the second most active component in Italian terrorism. The upsurge and development of Italy's contemporary terrorist phenomenon are attributable to a variety of sociopolitical factors. Also, the existence of several precedents of political violence and incipient insurgency, registered since the end of World War II, has aggravated the situation by providing operational models and residual assets, both human and material. The structure and dynamics of the leftist terrorist bands show five general patterns adopted from the South American urban guerrilla warfare model: (1) rigid clandestinity and systematic violence, (2) simultaneous political action and armed struggle, (3) spontaneous and sporadic terrorist actions, (4) combined actions, and (5) auxiliary support. Since the adoption of the latest antiterrorist measures by the Council of Ministers in December, 1979, and the subsequent 'great spring offensive' of 1980 by the law enforcement agencies, Italian terrorism has suffered serious setbacks. In making arrests and obtaining convictions, the authorities have relied primarily on confessions made by 'repentant' terrorists. While the confessions have led to a number of arrests and seizures of 'safehouses,' none have resulted in the capture of leading operatives or in the disclosure of behind-the-scenes principals or abettors. The ability of the leftist bands to reassert themselves after major assaults against them could be indicative of the existence of vast terrorist resources still untouched by police efforts. Appended are chronologies of significant terrorist actions by the various terrorist components. Bibliographies are provided for Italian and English language material, and notes are included.