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