RAF (Red Army Faction)

The Red Army Faction (RAF), also known as the Baader-Meinhof Group, was a West German militant organization active from the 1970s to the 1990s. It was composed of left-wing extremists aiming to oppose what they viewed as imperialism, capitalism, and NATO policies, often by using violence and bombings. The RAF targeted government institutions, corporations, and individuals they believed symbolized oppression. Their actions resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, leading to a nationwide security crackdown. The group disbanded in the late 1990s, having profoundly impacted German politics and society during their active years.