Palestinian Islamic Jihad–Kata?ib Al-Aqsa
PALESTINIAN ISLAMIC JIHAD–KATAʾIB AL-AQSA
Splinter group (al-Jihad al-Islami al-Filastini–al-Kataʾib al-Aqsa; Palestinian Islamic Jihad–al-Aqsa Phalanx) of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad–Bayt al-Maqdis (itself a faction of Palestinian Islamic Jihad), led by Ibrahim Serbal. It originated in the discord between Serbal and Asad Tamimi, leader of the Bayt al-Maqdis faction. Its name surfaced for the first time on 21 October 1990 when it took responsibility for the killing of three Israelis in Jerusalem. In 1993 dissension between the principal leaders prompted the formation of two currents, one led by Serbal, the other by Fayiz al-Aswad. In October 1994 a new split, caused by Shaykh Husayn Anbar, led Aswad to quit the movement to live in Gaza with a few supporters. Weakened by internal bickering, this faction has lost its influence in the Palestinian community. Its headquarters is in Amman.
SEE ALSO Palestinian Islamic Jihad–Bayt al-Maqdis.