US intelligence officials have warned of the growing threat posed by the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah, suggesting it could strike US interests in the Middle East or even within the United States, according to a Politico report.
Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, is believed to have a more sophisticated network and ability to launch attacks compared to other terrorist organizations such as ISIS. These warnings come amid escalating tensions in the region, which has led to an escalation of the risk of an attack, especially on American personnel stationed abroad.
The possibility of Hezbollah targeting American forces in the Middle East is considered the most urgent threat, but officials have not ruled out the possibility of attacks on American soil.
One official, who was granted anonymity to discuss sensitive intelligence, expressed concern about Hezbollah's ability to carry out an attack in the United States, saying: “Hezbollah could leverage its capabilities to identify the locations of individuals for a potential attack.” It is a matter of concern.
Hezbollah's expansive international network is seen as a means for the party to activate its members to carry out major attacks inside the United States.
Concerns have emerged about Hezbollah's capabilities and intentions regarding the recent escalation of violence in the region. As of January 9, 2024, a US spokesman counted 127 attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria since mid-October 2023.
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US intelligence officers fear that Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed terrorist group in Lebanon, will attempt to carry out an attack on US soil. Details with Newsmax's Jerusalem correspondent Daniel Cohen.@Daniel Cohen TV pic.twitter.com/G9BFWojIG3
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Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah in Lebanon, spoke in November to supporters in Beirut, Lebanon. Nasrallah warned of strikes against American bases in the region, saying: “We will attack American bases.” “And they have to pay the price.”
Nasrallah added: America is fully responsible for the war in Gaza, and Israel is only the tool. The United States is the one that prevents the condemnation of Israel in the UN Security Council, and the United States is the one that prevents a ceasefire in Gaza.”
In October, during a speech to the International Association of Chiefs of Police conference in San Diego, California, FBI Director Chris Wray issued a stark warning about the rise of violent extremism, both domestically and internationally.
Wray noted that there had been a significant rise in reported threats following attacks in Israel, and warned the public to remain vigilant against “lone actors.”
“In this heightened environment, there is no doubt that we are seeing an increase in reported threats, and we need to be on the lookout, especially for lone actors who may be inspired by recent events to commit acts of violence of their own.”
“So I encourage you to remain vigilant, because as the first line of defense in protecting our communities, you are often the first to see the signs that someone may be mobilizing for violence. I also ask you to continue to share any intelligence or observations you may have. “For our part, we are committed to doing the same, so that together we can protect our communities,” he added.
According to an internal memo dated October 20, which was obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation, the CBP San Diego field office sent a memo to its officers warning of jihadists trying to enter the United States through the southern border. Terrorist attacks against Israel have likely inspired Hamas, Hezbollah, and other jihadists to make their way into our nation.
“The San Diego Field Office Intelligence Unit estimates that individuals inspired by or interacting with the current conflict between Israel and Hamas may attempt to travel to and from the area of hostilities in the Middle East via an indirect crossing across the southwest border,” the memo said.
The memo adds: “Ideologically motivated foreign fighters or mercenary soldiers may attempt to obscure travel to or from the United States to or from countries in the Middle East via Mexico.”
Politico reported:
However, Lebanese Hezbollah has so far avoided launching major attacks on Israel or US forces since the start of the recent conflict. However, the group has a history of targeting Americans and American interests abroad.
In 2011 and 2012, two US-based agents allegedly conducted surveillance on US and Israeli targets in Panama as well as in New York City. The Islamic Jihad organization, which later became part of Hezbollah, attacked the US embassy in Beirut in 1983, killing 63 people.
One of the officials said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strengthened security measures at the embassy in recent weeks to prevent any attack on diplomats residing in Lebanon.
“The Lebanese Front is ready to launch. These Iranian militias are bombing the United States in eastern Syria and Iraq, said Andrew Tabler, who served as special envoy for Syria engagement in the State Department's Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs in the Trump administration. “It is interesting that all this is happening in the background and that people are focused on the Gaza theater, but the war is actually much bigger than that.”
In November, Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service, helped Brazilian federal police thwart terrorist attacks planned by Hezbollah. Brazilian law enforcement authorities launched an intelligence operation that led to the arrest of two people linked to the terrorist group.
Dubbed “Operation Trapiche,” Brazilian police executed two provisional arrest warrants and 11 search and seizure warrants. The operations took place in the states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo and the Federal District.
The terrorists belonged to the terrorist group Hezbollah, which had intentions to attack buildings within the Brazilian Jewish community. According to investigators, the suspects may face charges under anti-terrorism laws, which could carry a prison sentence of up to 15 years and 6 months.
Mossad cooperated with Brazilian Federal Police intelligence to dismantle the terrorist network planning attacks against Jews. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed the involvement of Israeli intelligence in defending Brazil.
