The size, trajectory and ambition of Jund Allah is unknown. The group first appeared in June 2005, but has not claimed any attacks since Mansuri's execution. It is possible that the group could evolve into a more active vehicle for armed Sunni resistance to Shia rule. At the same time, the June kidnapping may be an isolated incident carried out by disaffected Sunnis.

Army of the Levant, Soldiers of Greater Syria

<a href="terrorist_organizations_by_country.asp?id=AF">Afghanistan</a>, <a href="terrorist_organizations_by_country.asp?id=LE">Lebanon</a>, <a href="terrorist_organizations_by_country.asp?id=SY">Syria</a>, <a href="terrorist_organizations_by_country.asp?id=8">West Bank/Gaza</a>

Original group established in 1999; new groups surfaced in 2004 and 2005

Originally started with funds provided to Zarqawi by Usama bin Laden; current means unknown

Although the connection between any or all of the Jund al-Sham entities is unclear, they all (save for the final group that may exist in name only) continue to clash with security elements and rival factions in their respective areas of operation in order to achieve the unified purpose of replacing what they view as misguided forms of Islam and governmental rule with their vision of a traditional Islamic caliphate extending across the Levant.  Likewise, whether or not they are directly descended from Zarqawi's original band of fighters they represent a continued threat to the security of the Levant region in which al-Qaeda's presence is weaker, thereby fulfilling the purpose envisioned by Zarqawi's group.  Like many second and third-tier Islamic extremist entities, the Jund al-Sham organizations are believed to be incorporated, however loosely, under the greater al-Qaeda umbrella and therefore may be expected to remain active in various forms and guises throughout the region.

The June 16 Organization was a leftist group that took its name from a general strike in Istanbul that took place in June 1970.  The strike was organized by a radical Turkish union known as DISK, and it succeeded in forcing the Turkish government to back down on plans to ban the group.  <P><br />The June 16 Organization first emerged in September 1987, when they claimed responsibility for a series of small bombs that exploded outside American bank and hotel branches in Istanbul.  In a claim of responsibility, the group said the attack was in response to the torture of Turkish prisoners. <P><br />In December 1989, the group bombed a yacht belonging to the US Consulate.  Although there were no casualties, the yacht was completely destroyed.  Calling itself the "Warriors of the 16th of June Movement," the group claimed the attack "was aimed at austerity policies advised by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank and applied by the Turkish government." <P><br />Although very little is known about the June 16 Organization, from their choice of name and targets, it is clear that they were a left-wing group with anti-globalization views.  Although it is possible that some members of the organization were also members of DISK (who had eventually been banned in 1980 after a military coup), there is no proof to support this claim.  <br />