East Turkestan Islamic Movement

| name = East Turkestan Islamic Movement | logo = | caption = | founded = | leader = | area_of_operations = Xinjiang, China; Central Asia | ideology = Islamic extremism, Separatism, Jihadism | objectives = Establish an Islamic state in Xinjiang | allies = Al-Qaeda, Taliban, Islamic Jihad Union | opponents = Government of China, People's Liberation Army

East Turkestan Islamic Movement. The East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) is a militant Islamic extremist organization primarily operating in Xinjiang, China, and Central Asia. The group was formed with the objective of establishing an Islamic state in Xinjiang, which it refers to as East Turkestan. ETIM has been linked to Al-Qaeda and has received support from other jihadist organizations.

Background

The ETIM is believed to have been founded in the 1990s by Islamic extremists who sought to create an Islamic state in Xinjiang. The region has a significant Uyghur population, which has historically been subject to cultural and linguistic suppression by the Chinese government. This has led to separatist sentiments among some Uyghur groups, which ETIM has sought to exploit.

History

The ETIM's early history is not well-documented, but it is believed to have carried out several terrorist attacks in Xinjiang and other parts of China in the early 2000s. One of the most notable attacks was the 2009 Ürümqi riots, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 200 people, mostly Han Chinese. The group has also been linked to bombings and assassinations targeting Chinese government officials and security personnel.

Ideology and Objectives

The ETIM's ideology is rooted in Islamic extremism and separatism. The group seeks to establish an Islamic state in Xinjiang, which it believes should be independent from China. ETIM's objectives are based on a jihadi interpretation of Islam, which emphasizes the need for armed struggle against non-Muslim governments and secular authorities.

Structure and Leadership

The ETIM's leadership structure is not well-understood, but it is believed to be led by a council of senior members. The group's leadership has been linked to Abdullah Mansour, a senior jihadist who has been associated with Al-Qaeda. ETIM's military wing is thought to be led by Abu Turab, a veteran of jihadist conflicts in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Activities and Conflicts

The ETIM has been involved in numerous terrorist attacks and conflicts in Xinjiang and other parts of China. The group has targeted Chinese government officials, security personnel, and civilians in its attacks, which have resulted in significant casualties. ETIM has also been involved in clashes with security forces in Xinjiang, including a 2011 ambush that resulted in the deaths of several police officers.

International Response and Designation

The ETIM has been designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including China, United States, and United Nations. The group's links to Al-Qaeda and other jihadist organizations have raised concerns about its potential for international terrorism. The Chinese government has taken a hardline stance against ETIM, accusing the group of terrorism and separatism. The international community has generally supported China's efforts to combat ETIM and other terrorist organizations. Category:Terrorist organizations