(U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security) Amb. Roger Noriega - Former U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of American States Roger Noriega testified on July 7 before the House Subcommittee on Intelligence and Terrorism, on Hizbullah and Iran's operations in the Americas. We have identified at least two parallel terrorist networks growing at an alarming rate in Latin America. One is operated by Hizbullah, aided by its collaborators, and another is managed by a cadre of operatives of the notorious Qods Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. These networks cooperate to carry out fundraising, money-laundering schemes, narcotics smuggling, proselytization, recruitment, and training. We can identify more than 80 operatives in at least 12 countries. Of particular interest are several published reports, citing U.S. law enforcement and intelligence sources, that Hizbullah operatives have provided weapons and explosives training to drug trafficking organizations that operate along the U.S. border with Mexico and have sought to radicalize Muslim populations in several Mexican cities. By infiltrating or establishing mosques or "Islamic centers" throughout the region, Hizbullah is spreading its influence, legitimizing its cause, and advancing its violent jihad on our doorstep. Our research indicates that the most tempting target for Hizbullah in the region is Brazil, with an estimated population of one million Muslims.
2011-07-15 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive