Senator John Cornyn Warns of Hezbollah's Expanding Activities in Latin America

Hezbollah's History of Terror Attacks

• 🇺🇸 Hezbollah has a history of high-profile terror attacks against the United States, including the 1983 Beirut bombings and the 1985 hijacking of TWWA Flight 847.
• 🇮🇷 As part of Iran's network of proxies, Hezbollah receives significant funding and military technology from Iran, estimated at up to $700 million annually.
• 🇦🇷 In Latin America, Hezbollah, directed by Iran, bombed the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires in 1992 and the AMIA Jewish Community Center in 1994, resulting in numerous casualties.

Hezbollah's Operations in Latin America

• 🌍 While no successful Hezbollah attacks have occurred in the Western Hemisphere since 1994, the group remains active, primarily focused on raising funds for its operations.
• 🗺️ Hezbollah established a presence in the tri-border region of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay, engaging in illicit activities such as oil smuggling, money laundering, and illegal weapons procurement.
• 🇻🇪 The group has also found a foothold in Venezuela, with reports indicating former officials facilitated Venezuelan passports for Hezbollah members and channeled funds to the Middle East.
• 🇨🇴 Hezbollah has ties to drug trafficking organizations in Colombia, with networks linked to Lebanese-Colombian drug kingpin Iman Jamal and former Hezbollah fighters operating support cells.

Recent Setbacks and Future Concerns

• 💥 In 2024, Hezbollah has faced significant setbacks, including the elimination of senior leadership by Israel and the loss of an ally with the collapse of the Assad regime.
• 💰 Potential reductions in Iranian funding due to Israeli actions and US operations could motivate Hezbollah to seek funds elsewhere, potentially expanding its Latin American networks.
• ⚖️ This hearing aims to evaluate the current threat posed by Hezbollah in Latin America, review US government counter-measures, and consider responses to the evolving environment.