Unmasking Hezbollah’s Triple Border Operations: Insights from Argentina’s Patricia Bullrich

The Minister of Security of Argentina, Patricia Bullrich, provided a detailed overview in Chile on Thursday about the operations of the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah in the Triple Border region between Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. This region is known for money laundering activities, as documented by Brazilian police investigations.

Bullrich highlighted 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 emphasized 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, which resemble contexts associated with armed forces.

The judicial decision referenced by Bullrich implicated Iran in two significant terrorist attacks in Argentina’s history: specifically, attacks on the headquarters of Amia and the Israeli Embassy. The decision attributed these attacks to Hezbollah under Iranian direction and financing.

Following these developments, Argentina called for international arrests of those responsible for Amia attack, including Iranian Interior Minister. These actions sparked international reactions, including protests from Chilean President Gabriel Boric and apologies from Bullrich regarding statements made about Hezbollah’s presence in Iquique, Chile.

Overall, revelations about Hezbollah’s operations in Triple Border region and Iran’s involvement have led to increased scrutiny and calls for international action against these organizations.