militant
n. countablen. a person who uses strong or violent methods to achieve political or social change. They are often part of a group that is willing to fight for what they believe in.
n. an individual who uses aggressive or combative methods, including physical force, to support a political or social cause. Often used to describe members of non-state armed groups or radical activists.
The militants took control of the main road.
Local authorities are negotiating with the militants to ensure the safe release of the aid workers.
The report distinguishes between peaceful protesters and the armed militants who exploited the civil unrest to seize government infrastructure.
From Middle French militant, from Latin mīlitāns, present participle of mīlitāre (“to serve as a soldier”).
Often carries a negative connotation in mainstream media, though it can be used neutrally in academic political science.