The Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia, commonly abbreviated as ASALA, is a controversial militant group that operated in the late 20th century. The word "Armenian" is spelled as [ɑːˈmiːniən], with stress placed on the second syllable. "Secret" is spelled as [ˈsiːkrɪt], with stress on the first syllable. "Army" is spelled as [ˈɑːrmi], with stress on the second syllable. "For" is spelled as [fɔːr], "the" as [ðiː], "Liberation" as [ˌlɪbəˈreɪʃn], and "of" as [əv]. Overall, the correct and standardized spelling of this group's name is ASALA.
The Armenian Secret Army for the Liberation of Armenia (ASALA) was a militant organization formed in the 1970s with the objective to seek the liberation of Armenia from what it perceived as Turkish oppression and the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. ASALA was considered a terrorist organization by numerous governments.
ASALA emerged during a period marked by heightened Armenian nationalism and minority rights movements in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The group conducted a series of violent actions, including bombings, assassinations, and hostage-takings, predominantly targeting Turkish diplomats, officials, and airlines. Their operations extended beyond Turkey, reaching Western Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
The organization's main aims were to draw attention to the Armenian cause and force Turkish authorities to recognize the atrocities committed against the Armenian people during the First World War. ASALA's actions were characterized by a highly secretive nature, often executed by small cells acting independently, which made it difficult to track and apprehend their members.
Although ASALA was relatively active during the 1970s and early 1980s, its activities greatly diminished by the mid-1980s. External pressures, internal divisions, and shifting political dynamics within Armenia contributed to its decline. However, the group's actions had a lasting impact on international security and relations in that era and resulted in casualties and diplomatic tensions between countries.