Country Reports on Terrorism 2014 - Foreign Terrorist Organizations: Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan

aka IMU

Description: Designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization on September 25, 2000, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan's (IMU) goal is to overthrow the Uzbek government and establish an Islamic state. For most of the past decade, however, the group recruited members from other Central Asian states and Europe and has focused on fighting in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The IMU has a relationship with al-Qa'ida, the Taliban, and Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP). In April 2012, IMU leader Abu Usman Adil died and Usman Ghazi was named the group's new leader.

IMU's leadership cadre remains based in Pakistan's tribal areas and operates primarily along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border and in northern Afghanistan. Top IMU leaders have integrated themselves into the Taliban's shadow government in Afghanistan's northern provinces. Operating in cooperation with each other, the Taliban and IMU have expanded their presence throughout northern Afghanistan, and have established training camps in the region. Group members may have also traveled to Syria to fight with violent extremist groups.

Activities: Since the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom, the IMU has been predominantly focused on attacks against U.S. and Coalition Forces in Afghanistan. In late 2009, NATO forces reported an increase in IMU-affiliated foreign fighters in Afghanistan. In 2010, IMU claimed responsibility for the September 19 ambush that killed 25 Tajik troops in Tajikistan. On October 15, 2011, IMU claimed responsibility for a suicide assault on a U.S.-led Provincial Reconstruction Team based in the Afghan province of Panjshir that killed two Afghan civilians and wounded two security guards. In 2013, IMU remained active and carried out numerous attacks that killed civilians and police, including a joint attack with the Taliban in May and a suicide attack near Bagram Air Base that targeted a U.S. military convoy.

On June 8, 2014, IMU claimed an attack on Karachi's international airport that resulted in the deaths of at least 39 people. IMU posted photos online of 10 men holding AK-47s after the attack. On September 26, IMU senior leader Usman Ghazi announced the group's allegiance to ISIL. The IMU released a statement praising the December 16 Peshawar school attack, carried out by TTP.

Strength: 200-300 members

Location/Area of Operation: IMU militants are located in South Asia, Central Asia, and Iran.

Funding and External Aid: The IMU receives support from a large Uzbek diaspora, terrorist organizations, and donors from Europe, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East.