战略与国际研究中心-Policy-Papers-on-the-Americas_-Middle-East-Terrorist-Activity-in-Latin-America_22页_195kb

Summary of Middle East Terrorist Activity in Latin America

Core Content

This report by Mark S. Steinitz examines the presence and activities of Middle East-based terrorist groups in Latin America, particularly focusing on the period from the late 1960s to the early 2000s. It highlights the evolution of these threats, the involvement of state sponsors, and the potential for future attacks. The report also analyzes the role of the tri-border region between Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil as a key hub for Middle East terrorist operations in the area.

Main Points

1. Terrorist Threat in Latin America

• The attacks of September 11, 2001, brought renewed attention to the potential of Middle East-origin terrorism in Latin America.
• The most significant attacks were carried out by Hizballah and Al Qaeda, with Hizballah being the most active.
• There is no confirmed evidence of Al Qaeda cells in Latin America, but the group has been in contact with local terrorist networks.
• Hizballah has been linked to several attacks, including the 1992 Israeli embassy bombing in Buenos Aires and the 1994 AMIA bombing in Argentina.

2. Historical Context

• Middle Eastern terrorism began to reach Latin America in the late 1960s and early 1970s, though it was relatively limited in scope.
• The Palestinians and Libya were among the most active Middle East actors in the region.
• Palestinians sought to support their cause by engaging with leftist groups in Latin America, such as the Sandinistas in Nicaragua and the Manuel Rodríguez Patriotic Front in Chile.
• Libya, under Muammar Qaddafi, supported various leftist groups and attempted to influence events in the region, including a failed coup in Trinidad and Tobago.

3. The Tri-border Region

• The tri-border region (Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil) became a critical area for Middle East terrorist operations due to its corrupt governance, weak border controls, and thriving black market.
• Hizballah and Iran have used this region as a support base for their operations.
• Assad Ahmad Barakat, a Lebanese-born individual, is alleged to be Hizballah's finance chief in the region and was arrested in Brazil in 2002.
• Barakat was involved in money laundering, drug smuggling, and pirated media to fund Hizballah.

4. Other Terrorist Groups

• Egyptian Islamic Group (IG), a close ally of Osama bin Laden, has a limited but notable presence in the tri-border region.
• Hamas, known for its suicide bombings in Israel, has also been linked to drug smuggling and pirated media in the region.
• Iran has been implicated in several attacks, including the Luxor massacre in 1997, and has had operatives in the tri-border area.

5. International and Local Involvement

• Iran is suspected of providing logistical and financial support to Hizballah and other groups.
• The United States has been involved in investigations and intelligence sharing regarding Middle East terrorist activity in Latin America.
• Libya attempted to expand its influence beyond the tri-border area, but was forced to retreat due to international pressure following the Pan Am 103 bombing and the UTA 772 bombing.

6. Post-9/11 Developments

• After 9/11, the U.S. and other countries intensified their focus on terrorist financing and networks in the region.
• Chile investigated Barakat Ltd. and Saleh Trading Ltd. for possible money laundering activities.
• Colombia has also seen Middle East involvement, particularly through Hizballah and IG members.
• A controversial proposal in 1999 involved Iran and FARC in a beef processing project, which was later abandoned due to concerns in Washington.

Key Information

• Hizballah is the most prominent Middle East terrorist group in Latin America.
• The tri-border region serves as a critical support infrastructure for these groups.
• Iran is the largest financial sponsor of Hizballah.
• Al Qaeda has shown limited interest in Latin America, but has had contact with local groups.
• Libya and Palestine have had significant historical involvement, but their influence has waned in recent years.
• The region's black market, corruption, and weak border controls facilitate terrorist financing and logistical support.

Conclusion

While Middle East terrorist groups have not launched major attacks in Latin America, their presence and influence are substantial, particularly in the tri-border region. The complexity of these networks, combined with state sponsorship and local corruption, presents a potential threat that requires continued vigilance and coordinated efforts among regional and international authorities.