The recent report from the Saudi channel Al-Hadath claims that approximately 400 Hezbollah field commanders have fled from Lebanon to South American countries such as Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, and Brazil, along with their families. According to information citing a source from the Argentine embassy in Lebanon, this move is motivated by concerns over increased surveillance following the dismantling of Hezbollah’s military infrastructure after the ceasefire agreement with Israel in November 2024.
So far, there has been no official confirmation of this information from Lebanese sources or Hezbollah, which adds uncertainty to the issue. The following sections will delve into the context, implications, and background surrounding this potential migration, considering Hezbollah’s historical presence in South America and its links to criminal organizations.
Hezbollah, deemed a terrorist organization by several countries, has a history of illicit activities in South America, including drug trafficking and money laundering, particularly in the Triple Frontier. The relocation of 400 commanders raises alarms that the United States has already voiced regarding regional security and international relations, especially with countries like Venezuela, which is accused of supporting Hezbollah.
Hezbollah’s presence in South America is not new, with leaders like Hussein Ahmad Karaki identified as responsible for operations in the region. However, the scale of the reported movement needs to be investigated by the authorities.
The Party of God
Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shia organization with strong ties to Iran, has maintained a significant presence in Latin America since the 1980s, especially in the region known as the Triple Frontier, which includes Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. This area, characterized by its relative lack of governance, has been a hub for fundraising activities through illicit operations like drug trafficking, money laundering, counterfeiting, and smuggling. According to a 2023 report from the Wilson Center, Hezbollah capitalized on the Lebanese and Shia communities in the region to establish illicit enterprises that fund its operations in the Middle East and beyond.
The organization has been linked to terrorist attacks in the region, such as the bombings of the Israeli embassy and the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA) in Buenos Aires in 1992 and 1994, which resulted in over 100 fatalities. Leaders like Hussein Ahmad Karaki, identified in October 2024 as Hezbollah’s leader in Latin America by Argentine Security Minister Patricia Bullrich, have been indicated as responsible for these operations. Another example is Samuel Salman El Reda, a Colombian-Lebanese man accused of planning and executing terrorist attacks in the 1990s, including the AMIA bombing, and recently charged by the U.S. Department of Justice in December 2023 for conspiracy to support a terrorist organization.
The Ceasefire Agreement
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, signed on November 27, 2024, and mediated by countries like the United States, marked the end of 13 months of conflict, with a 60-day cessation of hostilities. This agreement stipulates that Israel must withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah must pull its forces north of the Litani River, with a monitoring panel of five countries led by the U.S. and the deployment of 5,000 Lebanese troops to ensure compliance. This process entails a partial dismantling of Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in southern Lebanon, which could have heightened pressure and surveillance on its operatives.
Several experts had anticipated that it was plausible for some Hezbollah members, especially those involved in military operations, to seek refuge or relocate their activities to areas where they already have established networks, such as South America. Countries like Venezuela, accused of having ties with Hezbollah and Iran, could provide a more favorable environment. For example, a 2022 report from Al Arabiya English highlighted the connections between Hezbollah and Nicolás Maduro’s regime, suggesting that Venezuela acts as an advanced operational base for the organization.
Estimates suggest that Hezbollah has between 20,000 and 50,000 combatants, with thousands of reserves, but the exact number of field commanders remains unclear. If lower-level leaders are included, the figure might be adjusted to reflect reality, but it remains speculative without confirmation.
Connections to Criminal Organizations and Illicit Activities
Hezbollah has connections in South America with criminal organizations, forming part of the structure of drug cartels that constitute a significant portion of its revenue. According to a March 2025 report from RAND, Hezbollah uses illicit funding mechanisms in the region, including drug trafficking and money laundering, to sustain its global operations. These ties allow the organization to integrate into local networks, such as the Primeiro Comando da Capital in Brazil or the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico, and the Cartel de los Soles, facilitating its presence and operations.
Investigations have indicated that the Triple Frontier region, known for its lack of governance, has been a center for Hezbollah’s criminal activities, with reports of cryptocurrency mining and other illicit operations. A structure of this nature would enable commanders or Hezbollah members to view the region as an opportunity to continue their activities away from pressure in Lebanon.
Regional and International Security
The potential relocation of Hezbollah commanders to South America would pose a problem for regional security and international relations. Countries like Argentina, Colombia, and Paraguay, which have designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organization, may intensify their monitoring efforts and cooperation with the U.S. and other allies. A U.S. bill from March 2025 seeks to require Latin American states to act against Hezbollah or face consequences.
Venezuela’s relationship with Hezbollah further complicates the diplomatic crisis due to the non-recognition of Nicolás Maduro as a legitimate president, in addition to the accusations against key regime leaders and their alleged ties to narco-terrorism. Currently, the U.S. government has imposed new sanctions against the regime and a 25% tariff on countries that continue negotiating with the Venezuelan tyranny in the oil and gas sector.
The migration of Hezbollah operatives could increase the vulnerability of Jewish communities in the region, as seen in the arrests in Brazil in 2023 for plans to attack Jewish targets.