Ali Hassan Salama assumed senior security and political duties in the Palestine Liberation Organization. He commanded special operations against Israeli intelligence, and was considered the first to lead the military apparatus “Force 17” to protect former Palestinian President Yasser Arafat.
He founded “Forces 17,” which was initially responsible for Arafat’s security. His name was associated with many specific operations, such as the parcel bombs that were sent from Amsterdam to Europe. Since 1970, Lebanon has become a base for security for the Fatah movement.