The reelection of Donald Trump has proven significant not just for U.S. foreign policy towards the Middle East but also for Latin America, particularly concerning Hezbollah, a terrorist organization actively supported by Iran. Following Trump’s victory, there have been notable shifts among terror-supporting nations. For instance, Qatar announced its plans to revoke its long-standing asylum for Hamas leaders, while Iran is reportedly reassessing its retaliatory strategies following Israeli airstrikes. These changes highlight the urgency for the new Trump administration to shift its focus to Latin America, where nations like Bolivia and Venezuela have forged ties that enable Hezbollah’s operations and fundraising activities. These affiliations not only threaten Israel and the region but also pose a risk to the United States through increased drug trafficking and potential terrorist infiltration along its southern border.
Hezbollah, once known primarily for its activities in the Middle East, has a history of attacks against Jewish targets in Latin America, drawing attention to its growing influence in the region. The organization was responsible for significant bombings in Buenos Aires during the early 1990s, targeting both the Israeli embassy and the AMIA Jewish cultural center. More recently, police in Brazil foiled an attempt to strike multiple Jewish locations, underscoring the persistent threat posed by Hezbollah. The situation is compounded by a resurgence of support for the organization from authoritarian regimes in Latin America, despite a universal repudiation of its violent actions. The ties between these countries and Hezbollah’s backers, notably Iran, are rooted in a shared anti-Israel ideology and have implications extending far beyond regional borders.
Iran has strategically expanded its relationships with Latin American countries, particularly Bolivia and Venezuela, enhancing Hezbollah’s foothold in the region. The bilateral agreement forged between Bolivia and Iran is particularly troubling, as it aims to increase cooperation in security and defense, with reports indicating the delivery of Iranian military equipment and training. Furthermore, Venezuela signed a broad cooperation agreement with Iran that covers various sectors, from oil to military operations. These developments suggest that Hezbollah may benefit from improved logistical and operational capabilities derived from these alliances, heightening its threat level not only to Israel but also to U.S. interests throughout the Americas.
Resource availability in these countries reinforces their connections with Iran, particularly concerning uranium. Both Bolivia and Venezuela have extensive uranium deposits, and past reports indicate these countries potentially supplying Iran with uranium for its nuclear programs. This alarmingly indicates the potential for nuclear ambitions linked to terrorism in a region already troubled by significant drug trafficking issues. Additionally, illicit drug trade remains prevalent in both nations, bolstered by Hezbollah’s connections with narcotraffickers. Bolivia’s status as a prominent coca leaf producer has significant implications for U.S. drug policy, exacerbated by the expulsion of U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency officials and increasing cocaine production.
Venezuela’s involvement in the cocaine trade is also noteworthy, particularly its collaboration with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a group closely linked to Hezbollah. The Maduro regime’s narcoterrorism practices have attracted legal action from U.S. authorities, signaling the deep-rooted connections between drug trafficking and organized terror in the region. Notably, indictments against Venezuelan officials illustrate the extent to which the state apparatus has been implicated in facilitating these illicit activities. Moreover, recent reports have indicated the apprehension of individuals on terrorist watchlists trying to enter the U.S. through its southern border, emphasizing growing concerns over potential threats from groups like Hezbollah.
As Hezbollah’s military operations against Israel escalate, Western defense officials should remain vigilant about its expanding reach and transnational criminal involvement. With a fresh administration in Washington, there lies a critical opportunity for a focused counter-terrorism strategy. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, known for his strong stance against repressive regimes, could play a pivotal role in forging alliances in Latin America. The United States must work collaboratively with local partners and Israel to dismantle Hezbollah’s fundraising operations in the region. By targeting these financial networks, the Trump administration could simultaneously mitigate the terrorist group’s capabilities in the Middle East and diminish associated risks, such as drug trafficking and terrorism linked to its influence across the southern border.
