Middle East Information Resource
Political Entities - Force 17
Force 17 was formed in early 1970`s as a personal security force for Yasser Arafat and other PLO leaders. According to press sources, in 1985 it expanded operations to include terrorist attacks against Israeli targets. In September 1985, it claimed responsibility for killing three Israelis in Cyprus, an incident that was followed by Israeli air raids on PLO bases in Tunisia. Since that time, no activity outside Israel and the occupied territories has been confirmed.
The group was based in Beirut prior to 1982. After 1982, it members have migrated to several Arab countries, and operates in Lebanon, in other Middle Eastern countries, and in Europe. The PLO is its main source of support.