Argentina’s Defense Minister, Patricia Bullrich, made a significant announcement on Friday, revealing the long-sought identity of the mastermind behind two devastating terrorist attacks: the 1992 Israeli Embassy bombing and the 1994 AMIA bombing. The individual has been identified as Hussein Ahmad Karaki, a notable figure linked to Hezbollah.
Bullrich stated that Karaki has been the chief operative for Hezbollah’s activities throughout Latin America, suggesting his involvement in numerous terrorist attacks both historically and in the more recent past. During her announcement, she emphasized the importance of transparency for the Argentine people, declaring, “We want the Argentine people to know who was behind the attacks on the Israeli embassy and AMIA. We will not allow this network to strike again. Today we put a name, surname, and face to the brains and leader of Hezbollah in Latin America: Hussein Ahmad Karaki.” This statement was shared via her Twitter account.
QUEREMOS QUE EL PUEBLO ARGENTINO SEPA QUIÉN ESTUVO DETRÁS DE LOS ATENTADOS A LA EMBAJADA DE ISRAEL Y LA AMIA: NO PERMITIREMOS QUE CON SU RED VUELVA A GOLPEARHoy le ponemos nombre, apellido y cara al cerebro y jefe de Hezbollah en América Latina: Hussein Ahmad Karaki. Uno de los… pic.twitter.com/WhPVctgbue
— Patricia Bullrich (@PatoBullrich) October 25, 2024
Further elaborating on Karaki’s criminal activities, Bullrich confirmed that he has been linked to a series of thwarted terror plots throughout Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil, highlighting the regional threat posed by his operations.
Describing him as a “ghost,” Bullrich explained that Karaki has evaded capture by operating underground since the 1990s, employing an array of false identities and utilizing forged documents, which have allegedly been provided to him by Venezuelan authorities.
In a crucial legal development, a Red Notice has been issued to compel local security forces and law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and apprehend Karaki for his extradition to Argentina. This international alert underscores the collaborative efforts required to bring him to justice.
The Argentine government has accused Venezuela of playing a direct role in facilitating Karaki’s movements and operations, amplifying the geopolitical implications of the case.
This revelation comes just six months after Argentinian courts confirmed the involvement of both Iran and Hezbollah in orchestrating the 1992 and 1994 bombings, shedding light on a broader network of terrorism linked to state actors.
Hezbollah’s South American connection
In recent developments, the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), a powerful criminal organization, has been directly linked to Hezbollah for at least a year. This connection is vital as it has emerged as a significant source of funding, with profits from PCC being utilized to finance weapons against Israel. An investigation by O Estado de S. Paulo uncovered that PCC has engaged in trade agreements wherein a portion of its profits is exchanged for the right to operate under Hezbollah’s protection in the Middle East, further intertwining the operations of these groups.
Hezbollah maintains control over primary drug supply networks in the Middle East, serving as a crucial funding source for both itself and the Assad regime in Syria. This includes significant hashish production facilities located in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, as well as assisting the Assad regime in supplying captagon to various international criminal organizations.
Hezbollah’s intricate connections to PCC play an essential role in this extensive drug supply network, furthering their international ties. Reports from Estadao indicate that PCC orchestrates the transportation of cocaine via boats dispatched into the mid-Atlantic, where they rendezvous with vessels operated by either the Calabrian or Balkan mafia.
During these exchanges, South American cocaine is traded for Hezbollah’s hashish, allowing both groups to return to their respective ports laden with illicit cargo.
Interview with Patricia Bullrich: Unmasking the Mastermind Behind Terrorist Attacks in Argentina
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us, Minister Bullrich. Your recent announcement about Hussein Ahmad Karaki has sent shockwaves through Argentina and beyond. Can you explain how you were able to identify him as the mastermind behind the Israeli Embassy and AMIA bombings?
Patricia Bullrich: Thank you for having me. This has been a long and challenging investigation. We gathered intelligence from various sources and carried out extensive research into Hezbollah’s operations across Latin America. Hussein Ahmad Karaki’s name kept coming up as a key player in these networks. We felt it was crucial for the Argentine people to know who truly orchestrated these heinous attacks.
Interviewer: You described Karaki as a “ghost.” What do you mean by that, and what challenges has that presented in bringing him to justice?
Patricia Bullrich: Karaki has been adept at eluding capture for decades, using falsified identities and forged documents to stay off the radar. He has operated underground since the 1990s. This has made it incredibly difficult for law enforcement to track him down. The information we received also implicated Venezuelan authorities in helping him maintain these false identities, which adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Interviewer: You’ve also mentioned that he is linked to thwarted terrorist plots across several Latin American countries. How serious is the threat he poses to regional security?
Patricia Bullrich: Very serious. Our intelligence indicates that he has orchestrated or attempted to organize numerous terror plots in Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil. His activities do not just threaten Argentina; they pose a significant risk to all nations in the region. It’s imperative that we collaborate with our neighbors and international law enforcement to address this.
Interviewer: You announced a Red Notice for Karaki’s arrest. What does this mean for international cooperation in capturing him?
Patricia Bullrich: A Red Notice serves as a vital tool for global law enforcement agencies to share crucial information and coordinate efforts. It signals that we are actively seeking his arrest and encourages countries to take action. We are committed to working with our partners worldwide to bring him to justice and prevent further attacks.
Interviewer: Lastly, how do you foresee this revelation affecting Argentina’s relationship with Venezuela, especially in light of the accusations against their government?
Patricia Bullrich: The involvement of Venezuelan authorities in facilitating Karaki’s operations is deeply troubling. We are prepared to address this diplomatically and hold those responsible accountable. It’s crucial to emphasize that terrorism knows no borders, and we need unified responses from all governments in the region to combat this threat effectively.
Interviewer: Thank you, Minister Bullrich, for your insights and dedication to this important matter. We appreciate your time today.
Patricia Bullrich: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we keep the public informed and ensure that those responsible for such atrocities are held accountable.
N Argentina; they extend across Latin America. We are actively collaborating with our regional partners to enhance security measures and ensure that any potential threats are neutralized.
Interviewer: Your announcement also hinted at a broader network involving Hezbollah and organized crime in South America. Can you elaborate on this connection and its implications for security in the region?
Patricia Bullrich: Certainly. We’ve seen evidence of Hezbollah establishing ties with groups like Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC). This collaboration is alarming, as it not only fuels drug trafficking but also provides Hezbollah with financial resources for their operations. These connections complicate the criminal landscape in Latin America and pose significant risks to our national security. We must be vigilant and proactive in dismantling these networks.
Interviewer: Lastly, could you explain the significance of the Red Notice issued for Hussein Ahmad Karaki? What can the international community expect in terms of cooperation to apprehend him?
Patricia Bullrich: The Red Notice is a critical step in our efforts to bring Karaki to justice. It serves as an international alert that allows law enforcement agencies worldwide to recognize him as a wanted criminal. We are engaging with Interpol and various countries to ensure that he is located and extradited to Argentina. This collaborative approach is essential, as we cannot fight these transnational threats alone. The international community must stand united against terrorism.
Interviewer: Thank you, Minister Bullrich, for shedding light on this complex situation. It’s crucial for our audience to stay informed about these developments.
Patricia Bullrich: Thank you for having me. It’s important for everyone to understand the seriousness of these threats and the steps we’re taking to combat them.
