a terrorist organization of Islamic extremists whose violant activities began in 1992; aims to overthrow the secular Algerian regime and replace it with an Islamic state; "the GIA has embarked on a terrorist campaign of civilian massacres"
The Gemological Institute of America, or GIA, is recognized as a top authority on grading gemstones
Groupe islamique armé (Armed Islamic Group) or Groupes islamiques armés (Armed Islamic groups) - Vague grouping of the most radical armed Islamic groups formed after the coup of January 1992 Available information indicates that the GIA is now a loose configuration of groups of hardline Islamist activists striving to impose their views of what an "Islamic" society should be, autonomous groups of common-law criminals without political or religious objectives and groups acting in the framework of mafia-type organised criminality It is often claimed that the GIA has long been infiltrated by security forces Anton Zouabri, whose death has often been claimed, may still be a leader with influence