On Thursday, Patricia Bullrich, the Minister of Security of Argentina, presented a comprehensive report in Chile on the operations of the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah in the Triple Border region between Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. The region is infamous for its money laundering activities, as documented by Brazilian police investigations.
Bullrich spoke about how Hezbollah collaborates with organizations from Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina involved in kidnappings, robberies, and drug trafficking. The PCC (First Command of the Capital) from Brazil plays a key role in these activities, with operators posing as merchants or businessmen from the region to buy and launder money through “facade organizations”.
Bullrich highlighted the significance of a recent judicial decision in Argentina that labeled Iran as a terrorist state operating through Hezbollah. She emphasized 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 of Argentina’s most significant terrorist attacks: the bombing of Amia headquarters and the Israeli Embassy. These attacks were carried out under Hezbollah’s direction and with Iranian financing.
Following these revelations, the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for international arrest warrants against those responsible for the Amia attack, including Iran’s Interior Minister. This call sparked international reactions including protests from Chilean President Gabriel Boric and apologies from Bullrich regarding previous statements about Hezbollah’s presence in Iquique, Chile.
Overall, Bullrich’s report has led to increased scrutiny and calls for international action against Hezbollah and Iran for their involvement in terrorist activities in South America.