The United States Expresses Concern Over Hezbollah Activity in Chile and Latin America
The United States State Department has raised concerns about the activities of the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah in Chile and the broader Latin American region. During a session in the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee, Republican Marco Rubio highlighted the ties between transnational criminal groups and foreign terrorist organizations, particularly mentioning Hezbollah.
“We are very concerned about Hezbollah operations throughout the region, as well as in Chile,” stated Mark Wells, deputy assistant secretary for Latin America and the Caribbean at the State Department. Rubio further emphasized that Hezbollah was amassing funds in the region to support its operations in various countries, including Chile under the leadership of President Gabriel Boric.
Rubio expressed apprehension about the lack of action from the Chilean government in dismantling these financial networks, citing Boric’s rhetoric towards Israel. Although acknowledging Boric’s defense of human rights and his country’s cooperation with security forces, Rubio questioned whether the president’s stance translated into a genuine commitment to confront Hezbollah as a foreign terrorist organization.
Wells maintained that the US government stands in opposition to Hezbollah and collaborates with Chile on various security and counterterrorism efforts. Despite differences in rhetoric and positions, he assured that cooperation between the two countries remains strong.
The discussion also touched on the Panama Papers trial involving the founders of the Mossack Fonseca law firm, with Rubio highlighting his disagreement with Boric’s rhetoric. In response, Wells reiterated the US’s unequivocal opposition to Hezbollah and reiterated their cooperation on international terrorism issues.
The State Department’s concerns underscore the ongoing challenge of transnational criminal organizations and terrorist groups operating in Latin America, requiring continued vigilance and cooperation among nations to combat these threats effectively.