While the MLF has committed several terrorist attacks in its history, it is primarily a political organization, participating in protests which are accompanied with vandalism. It was thought that the recently signed Comprehensive Peace Agreement between the Nepalese government and the CPN-M in late November 2006 would result in fewer political protests, especially since the agreement recognized the need to establish a multiparty democratic government system. However, this does not appear to have mollified the MLF, even with a specific provision that promises to alleviate the social problems of the Madheshi people and incorporate them into the political process. In early December 2006, MLF cadres were reportedly continuing to extort offices of the government-operated Village Development Committees in southern Nepal. In addition, in the middle of February 2007, the MLF did not respond to the government's request for talks, even though its allies agreed to meet with Nepalese officials. Thus, the MLF is likely to remain a moderate threat to the region in the future.

Abu al-Abbas -- Ally (Suspected)
Brigades for the Defense of Holy Shrines -- Faction
Divine Wrath Brigades -- Supported Cause

Some sources suggest Iran funded the Mahdi Army's April 2004 uprising

The Mahdi Amy is an Iraqi insurgent group. In addition to acts of terrorism, the group has also engaged in fierce battles with US, British and Iraqi troops, the heaviest of which occurred in April 2004. The Mahdi Army is comprised of the armed followers of Moqtada al-Sadr, an Iraqi Shi'ite leader. There are no precise figures for the strength of the group, but estimates approximate the number of fighters at a few thousand. Al-Sadr and his followers opposed Saddam Hussein but now concentrate on fighting the American-led coalition in Iraq, which they view as a foreign occupation. Al-Sadr's group also opposed the interim Iraqi government led by Ayad Allawi.  <P><br />The Mahdi army is believed to have gained access to unguarded Iraqi ammunition dumps in the immediate fall of the Hussein regime from which they acquired light weapons, submachine guns and rocket-propelled grenades. British intelligence sources suggest that the al-Sadr-led April 2004 uprising in Najaf, Basra, and other cities in Southern Iraq was financed by Iran, who has been seeking to extend their influence over Iraqi Shi'ites.