SUMMARY

al-Khobar (Alcobar; al Khobar Group, AKG) was a militant group active in the Philippines’ Mindanao region. While the group emerged publically in 2006, it was most likely created well before this; the exact date of its founding is disputed. It is believed that Zabide Abdul (“Commander Beds”), a known member of the MILF’s 105th Base Command, founded the group. Another al-Khobar leader was believed to be Mukasid Dilna, who was part of the MILF “Special Operations Group” (SOG).

Regarded mainly as an extortion group, the al-Khobar was active in Mindanao, particularly in the cities of Tacurong, Kidapawan, Koronadal and General Santos City. The group was known for targeting businesses, particularly bus companies, with various types of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). As such, it was classified as engaging in a form of “economic terrorism” in order to raise funds, either for its own purposes or on behalf of other militant organizations.

Information on al-Khobar’s connections to other groups is speculative, and not completely confirmed. The al-Khobar was however believed to have connections to several militant Philippine groups. It has for example been suggested that it was an integral part of MILF’s SOG, or at least a splinter group from it. The group’s extortion activities may have been intended to raise funds for the MILF; however, the latter rejected having any ties to the group. Furthermore, the group may have had connections to the BIFM via its founder, Zabide Abdul, who likely served under BIFM’s founder Ameril Umbra (“Commander Kato”) prior to the creation of al-Khobar. It was also believed that al-Khobar had ties to the ASG, and perhaps even to the Moro Army Committee (MAC) branch of the New Peoples’ Army (NPA), the armed wing of CPP.

It had also been suggested that the Indonesian Islamist terrorist group Jemaah Islamiah trained al-Khobar members in bomb making.