The Red Army Faction, also known as RAF or Rote Armee Fraktion, was a left-wing militant organization that emerged in West Germany during the late 1960s. Founded in 1970, the group operated until its formal dissolution in 1998. The RAF was notorious for its revolutionary nature, engaging in acts of domestic terrorism, armed robberies, bombings, and politically-motivated assassinations.
The primary aim of the Red Army Faction was to overthrow the capitalist West German government, which it perceived as a repressive force perpetuating imperialism and fascism. The organization strongly advocated for a Marxist-Leninist revolution, seeking to establish communism in the country. The RAF drew inspiration from various leftist ideologies, including anti-imperialism, anti-fascism, and anti-imperialism.
Initially, the Red Army Faction targeted American military personnel and installations in West Germany, aiming to drive out the perceived American influence on German politics and society. However, over time, the group expanded its targets to include German politicians, as it believed that they were instrumental in perpetuating capitalist oppression.
The RAF's activities included bombings, assassinations, kidnappings, and hijackings, which resulted in the loss of numerous lives. Notable attacks attributed to the RAF include the kidnapping and subsequent murder of prominent German businessman Hanns-Martin Schleyer and the hijacking of Lufthansa Flight 181 by the organization's members.
The Red Army Faction's violent tactics and revolutionary aspirations made it one of the most prominent and controversial left-wing extremist groups of its time. Its actions and the resulting public unrest forced the West German government to implement stricter anti-terrorism measures and significantly increase security measures throughout the country.
