Free Sulu Movement

The Free Sulu Movement (FSM) is a conglomerate of anti-federation and independence factions of the Belesian archipelago.  The group seeks to break free of the alleged overreach of the Belesian central government and abuses of the Belesia Federation National Guard (BFNG). The group has operated since the member islands of what is now the Federated States of Belesia began to perceive their individual cultures and rights were being subsumed by nationalist fervor. It wasn’t until the rise of its shadowy leader, known only as “Niko,” that the group became more organized and active. More troubling is the group’s alleged ties to foreign groups. Support from Olvana, the Islamic State, and the "Gabal Forever" movement have all been reportedly linked to the group in recent press reporting.

Its tactics have become increasingly violent, including attacks against government facilities such as political offices and BFNG or Constabulary armories.  The group has also claimed credit for attacks against civilians whom they label, “collaborators.” Attacks range from simple vandalism and sabotage to guerrilla-style operations and bombings. In more remote areas, they have also conducted extra-judicial proceedings and seizures. In areas with minimal security, the group operates small “Street Committees” to intimidate locals into cooperation or silence. These small elements have been known to conduct low-level attacks or infiltrate otherwise peaceful protests into incite violence. The FSM leverages a variety of informal and online communications means to coordinate these activities, including social messaging via mobile devices.

While the majority of FSM actions occur on the larger Belesian islands, their power base often comes from the smaller, less inhabited areas. The vast inequity in government support for poverty eradication, employment programs, education, and infrastructure development for the various islands fuels this discontent.