Formation of the RAF
The Red Army Faction (RAF) was founded in 1970 by Andreas Baader, Gudrun Ensslin, Horst Mahler, and Ulrike Meinhof. The group aimed to overthrow the West German government and establish a communist state.
1970
1972
The May Offensive
The RAF conducted a series of bombings known as the May Offensive, targeting U.S. military installations, police stations, and the Springer Press building in Hamburg.
1977
German Autumn
The period known as the German Autumn included the kidnapping and murder of industrialist Hanns Martin Schleyer and the hijacking of Lufthansa Flight 181 by RAF allies.
1982
Second Generation RAF
The second generation of RAF members continued the group's activities, including the assassination of U.S. Army General Frederick J. Kroesen in Heidelberg.
1984
Assassination of Ernst Zimmermann
Ernst Zimmermann, head of the German armaments company MTU, was assassinated by the RAF in his home in Gauting.
1985
Bombing of Rhein-Main Air Base
The RAF, in collaboration with the French group Action Directe, bombed the Rhein-Main Air Base, killing two people and injuring many others.
1986
Assassination of Karl Heinz Beckurts
Karl Heinz Beckurts, a Siemens executive, was assassinated by the RAF in a car bomb attack in Straßlach-Dingharting.
1989
Attempted Assassination of Hans Tietmeyer
The RAF attempted to assassinate Hans Tietmeyer, a senior official at the German Finance Ministry, but the attack failed.
1991
Dissolution of the RAF's Third Generation
The third generation of the RAF saw many members arrested, leading to a significant decline in the group's activities.
1992
Assassination of Detlev Karsten Rohwedder
Detlev Karsten Rohwedder, head of the Treuhandanstalt, was assassinated by the RAF in Düsseldorf.
1993
Last Major Attack
The RAF's last major attack was the bombing of a newly constructed prison in Weiterstadt, causing extensive damage but no casualties.
1998
Official Dissolution of the RAF
The RAF officially announced its dissolution in a letter sent to the Reuters news agency, marking the end of its activities.
2007
Publication of RAF, Mordfälle und die Neuordn
A comprehensive analysis of the RAF's history, criminal cases, and the reorganization efforts was published under the title "RAF, Mordfälle und die Neuordn."
2012
Reopening of Unsolved RAF Cases
German authorities reopened several unsolved RAF-related cases, seeking new leads and evidence to resolve lingering questions.
2020
50th Anniversary of the RAF's Formation
The 50th anniversary of the RAF's formation was marked by various retrospectives and analyses of the group's impact on German society and politics.
2023
Documentary Release
A new documentary titled "RAF, Mordfälle und die Neuordn" was released, offering an in-depth look at the RAF's history and legacy.
