On Thursday, Minister of Security of Argentina Patricia Bullrich presented a comprehensive overview in Chile on the operations of the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah in the Triple Border region between Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. The region is notorious for money laundering activities as documented by Brazilian police investigations.
Bullrich highlighted the involvement of various organizations from each country in Hezbollah’s operations, including the PCC (First Command of the Capital) from Brazil, Argentine and Paraguayan groups involved in kidnappings, robberies, and drug trafficking. These activities include buying and laundering money through “facade organizations,” where operators pose as merchants or businessmen from the region.
Bullrich emphasized the significance of a recent judicial decision in Argentina that labeled Iran as a terrorist state operating through Hezbollah. She underscored the sophistication and planning seen in these activities, which resemble contexts associated with armed forces.
The judicial decision referenced by Bullrich implicated Iran in two significant terrorist attacks in Argentina’s history: the attacks on Amia headquarters and the Israeli Embassy. The decision attributed these attacks to Hezbollah under Iran’s direction and financing.
Following these developments, the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for international action against those responsible for the Amia attack, including Iranian Interior Minister Ruhollah Hosseini Khomeini. These actions sparked international reactions, including protests from Chilean President Gabriel Boric and apologies from Bullrich regarding her statements about Hezbollah’s presence in Iquique, Chile.
In conclusion, the revelations about Hezbollah’s operations in the Triple Border region and Iran’s involvement in terrorist attacks have led to increased scrutiny and calls for international action against these organizations.
