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Hamas forms 'Popular Army'

SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Friday, December 20, 2002

GAZA CITY Ñ The Islamic opposition Hamas movement has formed a secret militia meant to repel any attack by Israel or the Palestinian Authority.

Palestinian sources said the militia, termed the "Popular Army" contains up to 100 heavily-armed members and was formed in June. The militia was founded by Hamas military leader Salah Shehada, who was assassinated by Israel in July.

The militia was first displayed in a rally in Gaza City's Sabra neighborhood on Nov. 30. The rally was termed by Palestinian sources as a show of force by Hamas toward the PA amid rising tensions between the two bodies.

"The era of confiscating weapons from Jihad fighters as well as their arrest and torture has ended foreover," Hamas leader Mahmoud Zahar said. "The situation has changed entirely, particularly with the existence of the Popular Army of Hamas."

The militia is said to be the first attempt by Hamas to form a paramilitary force similar to that of Hizbullah. Popular Army members carry weapons, wear uniforms and combat gear. The army also produces mines and bombs for attacks on Israeli armored vehicles.

Palestinian sources said the Popular Army began as a unit meant for deployment in the war against Israel. But over the last few months, the paramilitary body was bolstered and displayed in a warning to the PA.

The Hamas unit was said to have stopped several attempts by PA police and Fatah insurgents from attacking or arresting members of the Islamic opposition. The PA has tried to arrest Hamas members responsible for the assassination of PA riot police chief Col. Rajah Abu Lehya in October.

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