United States Threat Analysis

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Abu Sayyaf is still a big threat to the United States, it has roughly 200-500 members based out of the southern Philippines. Here in the United States the FBI is still tracking 3 of the main organizers of the Abu Sayyaf organization and the organization has made comments that have stated they want to fight the United States and it is strongly believed that given the opportunity although they are a small organization they will in fact take a huge leap at harming American citizens by means of bombing, extortion, assassinations, beheadings and what they are notorious for the most is kidnappings.

A spokesperson for the organization has stated, that “We have been trying hard to get America because they may think we’re afraid of them.” He added “We want to fight American people”. With that one statement I can foresee the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) as a threat to the United States especially since they’ve been known to have ties with the Al-Qaeda organization and as history has shown the Al-Qaeda network is very well structured, organized and resourceful. The United States Department of State has added the ASG to the list of Foreign Terrorist organizations. In 2002, while fighting in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) we started fighting the Abu Sayyaf group along with other terrorist organizations in part by the U.S. War on Terror. The FBI is currently looking for Raddulan Sahiron and has put a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to his arrest. As of November 2012 he is believed to be the leader of the ASG and is currently living in the area of Patikul Jolo, Sulu, Philippines. The FBI is also looking for Isnilon Totoni Hapilon and offering upwards to $5 million directly leading to his apprehension or conviction. He all...

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