New Red Brigades/Communist Combatant Party (BR/PCC)

Description

This Marxist-Leninist group is a successor to the Red Brigades, active in the 1970s and 1980s. In addition to ideology, both groups share the same symbol, a five-pointed star inside a circle. The group is opposed to Italy’s foreign and labor policies and NATO.

BR/PCC first struck in May 1999 claiming responsibility for the assassination of Labor Minister advisor Massimo D’Antona. In March 2002, the group assassinated Professor Marco Biagi, also a Labor Minister advisor.

Activities

One person arrested in conjunction with the Biagi attack was released later on a technicality. In 2001, Italian police arrested a suspected Red Brigade member in connection with a bombing in April at the Institute for International Affairs in Rome. May finance its activities through armed robberies.

Strenght

Estimated at fewer than 30 members; probably augments its strength through cooperation with other leftist groups in Italy, such as the Anti-Imperialist Territorial Nuclei.

Location

Italy.

External Aid

Has obtained weapons from abroad.