Middle East Information Resource
Political Entities - Salafist Group for Call and Combat
The Salafist Group for Call and Combat (GSPC) is a splinter faction of the GIA, that began in 1996. It has overshadowed its parent organization since approximately 1998, and currently is assessed to be the most effective remaining armed group inside Algeria. In contrast to the GIA, the GSPC has gained popular support through its pledge to avoid civilian attacks inside Algeria. In fact, it has been involved in actions where civilians have been attacked. GSPC loyalists abroad appear to have largely taken over the external resources of the GIA. The GSPC is most active throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
The GSPC continues to conduct operations aimed at government and military targets, primarily in rural areas. Such operations include false roadblocks and attacks against convoys transporting military, police, or other government personnel. According to press reporting, some GSPC members in Europe maintain contacts with other North African extremists sympathetic to al-Qaeda, a number of whom were implicated in terrorist plots during 2001.
The group probably has several hundred to several thousand people active inside Algeria. The GSPC is also active throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Algerian expatriates and GSPC members abroad, many in Western Europe, also lend financial and logistical support. In addition, the Algerian Government has accused Iran and Sudan of supporting Algerian extremists in years past.