Key Takeaways:
- Hezbollah is expanding its influence in Latin America due to increased pressure in the Middle East.
- The group has a history of deadly attacks in the region, including the 1992 and 1994 bombings in Argentina.
- Recent operations in Brazil and Chile highlight growing threats.
- Hezbollah funds its activities through illegal means like drug trafficking and money laundering.
- Venezuela and Iran provide crucial support, aiding Hezbollah’s strategic operations.
- A lack of current intelligence hampers efforts to combat these threats.
- The potential for future attacks in Latin America is a growing concern.
Hezbollah’s Expanding Reach in Latin America
In recent months, the conflict in the Middle East has escalated, drawing attention to Israel and its neighbors. However, another pressing issue has emerged: the expanding influence of Hezbollah in Latin America. This region, far from the battlegrounds of the Middle East, has become a strategic haven for the group, posing new threats to global security.
A History of Violence
Hezbollah’s presence in Latin America dates back to the 1980s. The group made its mark with devastating attacks, including the 1992 bombing of the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires, killing 29, and the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center, which claimed 85 lives and injured over 200. These events underscored Hezbollah’s ability to unleash terror far from its base.
Recent Operations Show Growing Threat
Recent developments indicate that Hezbollah is intensifying its activities in Latin America. In November 2023, Brazilian authorities dismantled a suspected Hezbollah cell planning attacks on Jewish targets, just a month after the October 7th attack in Israel. In 2024, Chilean authorities identified Assad Ahmad Barakat, a notorious Hezbollah money launderer, at a busy port. While direct links to Middle East dynamics are unclear, these incidents suggest Hezbollah may be compensating for losses by expanding its regional operations.
Funding Terrorism Through Crime
Hezbollah funds its activities through a web of criminal enterprises, including drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and money laundering. The Ayman Joumaa network, for instance, laundered millions via cocaine trafficking and used car sales in the U.S. before being disrupted. This criminal activity not only funds operations but also provides logistical support, enabling Hezbollah to operate covertly.
Venezuela and Iran: A Strategic Alliance
Venezuela, under Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro, has become a key ally for Hezbollah. The country offers state support, including political protection and transportation networks. Iran’s influence in the region further bolsters Hezbollah’s presence, exemplified by the 2023 Spanish translation of Supreme Leader Khamenei’s memoir, fostering ideological ties. Iranian embassies and businesses serve as potential hubs for covert activities, highlighting the strategic depth of their alliance.
The Dangerous Information Gap
Despite these threats, there’s a significant lack of updated intelligence on Hezbollah’s Latin American networks. The last detailed analysis was nearly a decade ago, leaving a critical knowledge gap. This void hampers efforts to disrupt Hezbollah’s operations, allowing them to adapt and grow unchecked. Policymakers must prioritize current, unclassified analysis to counter these evolving threats effectively.
What This Means for the Future
The shifting dynamics in the Middle East, coupled with U.S. support for Israel, may provoke Hezbollah to exploit its Latin American networks more aggressively. While their primary focus remains the Middle East, the established infrastructure in Latin America offers a potential asymmetric response, minimizing direct escalation while maximizing impact.
Understanding the Threat
Hezbollah’s presence in Latin America is not just a theoretical concern but a pressing reality with far-reaching implications. The group’s adaptability, coupled with strategic alliances, poses significant risks. By addressing these threats with updated intelligence and international cooperation, we can prevent future attacks and secure the region.
In conclusion, the expansion of Hezbollah’s influence in Latin America calls for urgent attention. Understanding and countering these networks is crucial to safeguarding global security and preventing the escalation of violence from this shadowy threat.