In 1991, the Abu Sayyaf Group (meaning “Bearer of the Sword” in Arabic) broke away from the MNLF. This group has close links with international fundamentalist organizations such as Al-Qaeda. Bases in the islands south of Mindanao (Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi), the ASG claims to want an Iranian-style Islamic state in Mindanao, and uses terror tactics primarily for financial gain.