Mohammed Fayez Barakat is a U.S.-designated Hezbollah fundraiser operating in the Tri-Border Area (TBA) of South America––the region that straddles the borders of Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina. He has hosted fundraisers for Hezbollah in the region and arranged the transfer of funds to the group. Barkat has also provided direct financial support to his cousin, U.S.-designated Assad Ahmad Barakat.Dr. Emanuele Ottolenghi, “Examining the Effectiveness of the Kingpin Designation Act in the Western Hemisphere,” Congressional Testimony: Foundation for Defense of Democracies, November 8, 2017, http://docs.house.gov/meetings/FA/FA07/20171108/106606/HHRG-115-FA07-Wstate-OttolenghiE-20171108.pdf. Mohammed Fayez Barakat was designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the U.S. Department of the Treasury on December 6, 2006.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Fundraising Network in the Triple Frontier of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp190.aspx. According to the designation, he held both Lebanese and Paraguayan citizenship at the time.“Recent OFAC Actions,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/pages/20061206.aspx.

In March 2007, Barakat was captured by an undetermined group of individuals. He was released 20 days later after his friends and family reportedly paid his captors a sum of $150,000. In a press conference that he held at his apartment after his release, Barakat claimed that he had spent ten days in captivity in Brazil and an additional ten in Paraguay. He claimed that he was transferred to Paraguay in the trunk of a vehicle, which was completely undetected by border authorities from either country.“Captores liberan a Barakat tras cobrar rescate de 150.000 dólares,” ABC Color (Asunción), March 27, 2007, http://www.abc.com.py/edicion-impresa/policiales/captores-liberan-a-barakat-tras-cobrar-rescate-de-150000-dolares-971484.html. In 2008, Barakat was investigated by Paraguayan authorities for money laundering related to his company, Big Boss International Import Export, which is located inside the U.S-designated Shopping Uniamérica shopping center (previously known as Galería Page) in Ciudad del Este.Dr. Emanuele Ottolenghi, “Examining the Effectiveness of the Kingpin Designation Act in the Western Hemisphere,” Congressional Testimony: Foundation for Defense of Democracies, November 8, 2017, http://docs.house.gov/meetings/FA/FA07/20171108/106606/HHRG-115-FA07-Wstate-OttolenghiE-20171108.pdf; “Seprelad confirma operaciones sospechosas de empresario libanés,” ABC Color (Asunción), November 30, 2008, http://www.abc.com.py/edicion-impresa/policiales/seprelad-confirma-operaciones-sospechosas-de-empresario-libanes-1125542.html. Barakat reportedly transferred a sum of $88,480 through the Paraguayan bank Banco Amambay on December 3, 2005, and another sum of $71,000 on March 8, 2006.“Seprelad confirma operaciones sospechosas de empresario libanés,” ABC Color (Asunción), November 30, 2008, http://www.abc.com.py/edicion-impresa/policiales/seprelad-confirma-operaciones-sospechosas-de-empresario-libanes-1125542.html. Nonetheless, he was never prosecuted and continued to freely operate Big Boss International Import Export as of 2017, according to Paraguayan official records.Dr. Emanuele Ottolenghi, “Examining the Effectiveness of the Kingpin Designation Act in the Western Hemisphere,” Congressional Testimony: Foundation for Defense of Democracies, November 8, 2017, http://docs.house.gov/meetings/FA/FA07/20171108/106606/HHRG-115-FA07-Wstate-OttolenghiE-20171108.pdf. In November 2016, he reportedly attended a reception hosted by the Lebanese embassy in Asunción as an honored guest.Emanuele Ottolenghi, John Hannah, “To Combat Illegal Immigration, Trump Should Target Latin America’s Hezbollah-Narco Nexus,” Foreign Policy, December 23, 2016, http://foreignpolicy.com/2016/12/23/to-combat-illegal-immigration-trump-should-target-latin-americas-hezbollah-nacro-nexus/. According to a congressional testimony from the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, Barakat remains an active and “influential figure” in the Lebanese community of Paraguay.Dr. Emanuele Ottolenghi, “Examining the Effectiveness of the Kingpin Designation Act in the Western Hemisphere,” Congressional Testimony: Foundation for Defense of Democracies, November 8, 2017, http://docs.house.gov/meetings/FA/FA07/20171108/106606/HHRG-115-FA07-Wstate-OttolenghiE-20171108.pdf.

United States

The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated “Mohammad Fayez Barakat” as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13224 on December 6, 2006.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Fundraising Network in the Triple Frontier of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp190.aspx.

• Muhammad Fayez Barakat“Treasury Targets Hizballah Fundraising Network in the Triple Frontier of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp190.aspx.

Mohammed Tarabain Chamas is a U.S.-designated Hezbollah operative in the Tri-Border Area (TBA) of South America––the region that straddles the borders of Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, he has transferred funds from the TBA to Hezbollah in Lebanon and regularly maintains contact with Hezbollah members in Lebanon and Iran.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Fundraising Network in the Triple Frontier of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp190.aspx. Chamas also serves as the administrator of the U.S.-designated Galería Page shopping center (today known as Shopping Uniamérica) in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, which reportedly serves as a “regional command post” for Hezbollah.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Fundraising Network in the Triple Frontier of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp190.aspx; “Terrorist and Organized Crime Groups in the Tri-Border Area (TBA) of South America,” Library of Congress, July 2003, 2, 20, https://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/pdf-files/TerrOrgCrime_TBA.pdf. He has also served as a private secretary for U.S.-designated Hezbollah leader Muhammad Yusif Abdallah, and has provided Hezbollah with security information about residents in the TBA as part of the group’s counterintelligence operations.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Fundraising Network in the Triple Frontier of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp190.aspx.

On December 6, 2006, Chamas was designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Fundraising Network in the Triple Frontier of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp190.aspx. According to the designation, he held Paraguayan, Brazilian, and Lebanese citizenship at the time.“Recent OFAC Actions,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/pages/20061206.aspx.

As of 2005, Chamas reportedly served as the proprietor and vice president of a company called Hi-Tech Digital Technology S.A. As of 2011, he reportedly operated a parking garage called Cars Estacionamento in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil.Dr. Emanuele Ottolenghi, “Examining the Effectiveness of the Kingpin Designation Act in the Western Hemisphere,” Congressional Testimony: Foundation for Defense of Democracies, November 8, 2017, http://docs.house.gov/meetings/FA/FA07/20171108/106606/HHRG-115-FA07-Wstate-OttolenghiE-20171108.pdf. As of 2016, he reportedly continued to serve as the administrator of Shopping Uniamérica, though official documents showed that he had also been appointed administrator of an adjacent shopping center in Ciudad del Este called Galería Conquistador.Emanuele Ottolenghi, “What Netanyahu Should Ask Paraguay’s President,” Jerusalem Post (Jerusalem), July 17, 2016, https://www.jpost.com/Opinion/The-question-Netanyahu-should-raise-to-visiting-president-of-Paraguay-460664; Dr. Emanuele Ottolenghi, “Examining the Effectiveness of the Kingpin Designation Act in the Western Hemisphere,” Congressional Testimony: Foundation for Defense of Democracies, November 8, 2017, http://docs.house.gov/meetings/FA/FA07/20171108/106606/HHRG-115-FA07-Wstate-OttolenghiE-20171108.pdf.

United States

The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated “Mohamad Tarabain Chamas” as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13224 on December 6, 2006.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Fundraising Network in the Triple Frontier of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp190.aspx.

• Mohamad Chams“Recent OFAC Actions,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/pages/20061206.aspx.
• Mohammad Tarabain ChamasDr. Emanuele Ottolenghi, “Examining the Effectiveness of the Kingpin Designation Act in the Western Hemisphere,” Congressional Testimony: Foundation for Defense of Democracies, November 8, 2017, http://docs.house.gov/meetings/FA/FA07/20171108/106606/HHRG-115-FA07-Wstate-OttolenghiE-20171108.pdf.
• Muhammad Tarabain Chamas“Treasury Targets Hizballah Fundraising Network in the Triple Frontier of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp190.aspx.
• Muhammad Tarabay“Recent OFAC Actions,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/pages/20061206.aspx.
• Muhammad Tarabayn Shamas“Recent OFAC Actions,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/pages/20061206.aspx.

Muhammad Yusif Abdallah is a U.S.-designated senior Hezbollah leader and fundraiser in the Tri-Border Area (TBA) of South America––the region that straddles the borders of Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Fundraising Network in the Triple Frontier of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp190.aspx. In 2006, the Paraguayan periodical ABC Color referred to him as a “spiritual leader” of Hezbollah.“Los nueve árabes sospechosos para EUA tienen negocios en C. del Este,” ABC Color (Asución), December 17, 2006, http://www.abc.com.py/edicion-impresa/policiales/los-nueve-arabes-sospechosos-para-eua-tienen-negocios-en-c-del-este-950958.html. He has served as the owner and manager of the U.S.-designated Galería Page shopping center (today known as Shopping Uniamérica) in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, which reportedly serves as a “regional command post” for Hezbollah.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Fundraising Network in the Triple Frontier of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp190.aspx; “Terrorist and Organized Crime Groups in the Tri-Border Area (TBA) of South America,” Library of Congress, July 2003, 2, 20, https://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/pdf-files/TerrOrgCrime_TBA.pdf. Abdallah has also been linked to Hezbollah’s 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires that killed 85 people and injured over 300.Armando Rivarola, “Hezbollah en Triple Frontera, la realidad más allá del mito,” ABC Color (Asunción), May 14, 2017, http://www.abc.com.py/edicion-impresa/politica/hezbollah-en-triple-frontera-la-realidad-mas-alla-del-mito-1593540.html; Harriet Alexander, “The Buenos Aires bomb, the Iranian allegations, and the accusations against Cristina Kirchner,” Telegraph (London), January 19, 2015, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/southamerica/argentina/11356031/The-Buenos-Aires-bomb-the-Iranian-allegations-and-the-accusations-against-Cristina-Kirchner.html.

Abdallah reportedly immigrated to the TBA from Lebanon prior to 1982.Jeffrey Goldberg, “In the Party of God,” New Yorker, October 28, 2002 https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2002/10/28/in-the-party-of-god-2. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, he served as a personal courier of funds for Hezbollah, and also received funds from the group to fund its activities in the TBA.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Fundraising Network in the Triple Frontier of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp190.aspx. For example, in 1994, Abdallah built a mosque called the Mosque of the Prophet Muhammad in central Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, using funds allegedly donated by Hezbollah.Jeffrey Goldberg, “In the Party of God,” New Yorker, October 28, 2002 https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2002/10/28/in-the-party-of-god-2; “Los nueve árabes sospechosos para EUA tienen negocios en C. del Este,” ABC Color (Asución), December 17, 2006, http://www.abc.com.py/edicion-impresa/policiales/los-nueve-arabes-sospechosos-para-eua-tienen-negocios-en-c-del-este-950958.html. Abdallah also served as an owner and manager of the Galería Page shopping center (today known as Shopping Uniamérica) in Ciudad del Este, which reportedly serves as a “regional command post” for Hezbollah.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Fundraising Network in the Triple Frontier of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp190.aspx; “Terrorist and Organized Crime Groups in the Tri-Border Area (TBA) of South America,” Library of Congress, July 2003, 2, 20, https://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/pdf-files/TerrOrgCrime_TBA.pdf. Abdallah would reportedly give Hezbollah a portion of his income based on his profits from Galería Page.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Fundraising Network in the Triple Frontier of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp190.aspx. In a 2002 interview with the New Yorker, Abdallah denied his links to Hezbollah and instead claimed that he had only donated to the group under pressure.Jeffrey Goldberg, “In the Party of God,” New Yorker, October 28, 2002 https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2002/10/28/in-the-party-of-god-2. Nonetheless, the U.S. Treasury reported that he hosted a major fundraiser for Hezbollah in the TBA in 2004, and also traveled to Lebanon several times to meet with the group’s leadership.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Fundraising Network in the Triple Frontier of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp190.aspx.

According to the U.S. Treasury, Abdallah has been involved in several other illicit activities, including the import of contraband electronics, passport falsification, credit card fraud, and the trafficking of counterfeit U.S. dollars.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Fundraising Network in the Triple Frontier of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp190.aspx. Abdallah reportedly co-operated a travel agency in Foz do Iguaçu called Piloto Turismo that provided the perpetrators of the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires with false passports and a base for communication.Armando Rivarola, “Hezbollah en Triple Frontera, la realidad más allá del mito,” ABC Color (Asunción), May 14, 2017, http://www.abc.com.py/edicion-impresa/politica/hezbollah-en-triple-frontera-la-realidad-mas-alla-del-mito-1593540.html.

Abdallah was designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the U.S. Department of the Treasury on December 6, 2006.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Fundraising Network in the Triple Frontier of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp190.aspx. According to the designation, he held both Lebanese and Paraguayan citizenship and both a Lebanese and Paraguayan passport at the time.“Recent OFAC Actions,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/pages/20061206.aspx.

United States

The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated “Muhammad Yusif Abdallah” as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13224 on December 6, 2006.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Fundraising Network in the Triple Frontier of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp190.aspx.

• Mohammad Youssef AbdallahArmando Rivarola, “Hezbollah en Triple Frontera, la realidad más allá del mito,” ABC Color (Asunción), May 14, 2017, http://www.abc.com.py/edicion-impresa/politica/hezbollah-en-triple-frontera-la-realidad-mas-alla-del-mito-1593540.html.
• Mohammad Yusif Abdallah“Los nueve árabes sospechosos para EUA tienen negocios en C. del Este,” ABC Color (Asución), December 17, 2006, http://www.abc.com.py/edicion-impresa/policiales/los-nueve-arabes-sospechosos-para-eua-tienen-negocios-en-c-del-este-950958.html.
• Muhammad Yusif Abdalla“Identifican a recaudadores de terroristas en Triple Frontera,” ABC Color (Asunción), December 6, 2006, http://www.abc.com.py/edicion-impresa/internacionales/identifican-a-recaudadores-de-terroristas-en-triple-frontera-948772.html.
• Muhammad Youssef AbdallahJeffrey Goldberg, “In the Party of God,” New Yorker, October 28, 2002 https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2002/10/28/in-the-party-of-god-2.
• Mushammad Yusif Abdallah“Recent OFAC Actions,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/pages/20061206.aspx.

Sobhi Mahmoud Fayad is a U.S.-designated senior Hezbollah official and financier in the Tri-Border Area (TBA) of South America––the region that straddles the borders of Paraguay, Brazil, and Argentina. Fayad helped coordinate the financial network of U.S.-designated Assad Ahmad Barakat in the TBA in the 1990s. He has served as a liaison between the Iranian embassy and the Hezbollah community in the TBA, and has traveled to Lebanon and Iran to meet with the group’s leadership and receive military training.“Terrorist and Organized Crime Groups in the Tri-Border Area (TBA) of South America,” Library of Congress, July 2003, 2, 20, https://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/pdf-files/TerrOrgCrime_TBA.pdf. Fayad was imprisoned in Paraguay in 2002 for tax evasion, though he was released in 2009 and reportedly continues to reside in the TBA and travel freely on a Paraguayan passport.“Recent OFAC Actions,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/pages/20061206.aspx; “The many criminal heads of the Golden Hydra,” Counter Extremism Project, accessed May 25, 2016, https://www.counterextremism.com/sites/default/files/The%20Many%20Criminal%20Heads%20of%20the%20Golden%20Hydra%20%28May%202018%29.pdf; Dr. Emanuele Ottolenghi, “Examining the Effectiveness of the Kingpin Designation Act in the Western Hemisphere,” Congressional Testimony: Foundation for Defense of Democracies, November 8, 2017, http://docs.house.gov/meetings/FA/FA07/20171108/106606/HHRG-115-FA07-Wstate-OttolenghiE-20171108.pdf.

Fayad has resided in the TBA, where he is reportedly an influential member of the Lebanese community living there, since at least 1992.“Terrorist and Organized Crime Groups in the Tri-Border Area (TBA) of South America,” Library of Congress, July 2003, 2, 20, https://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/pdf-files/TerrOrgCrime_TBA.pdf. He served as the executive assistant of U.S.-designated Assad Ahmad Barakat, the leader of Hezbollah’s financial network in the region.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Fundraising Network in the Triple Frontier of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp190.aspx; “Terrorist and Organized Crime Groups in the Tri-Border Area (TBA) of South America,” Library of Congress, July 2003, 2, 20, https://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/pdf-files/TerrOrgCrime_TBA.pdf. Fayad himself conveyed significant funds to Hezbollah-linked charities.“Terrorist and Organized Crime Groups in the Tri-Border Area (TBA) of South America,” Library of Congress, July 2003, 2, 20, https://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/pdf-files/TerrOrgCrime_TBA.pdf. In 2000, he sent more than $3.5 million to Hezbollah’s “Martyr” Social Beneficent Organization, which provides care to children whose parents were killed in the service of Hezbollah, and reportedly received a thank you letter from Hezbollah’s Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah in response.“Terrorist and Organized Crime Groups in the Tri-Border Area (TBA) of South America,” Library of Congress, July 2003, 2, 20, https://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/pdf-files/TerrOrgCrime_TBA.pdf; “The many criminal heads of the Golden Hydra,” Counter Extremism Project, accessed May 25, 2016, https://www.counterextremism.com/sites/default/files/The%20Many%20Criminal%20Heads%20of%20the%20Golden%20Hydra%20%28May%202018%29.pdf.

Fayad was first arrested in October 1998 for conducting surveillance of the U.S. embassy in Asunción, Paraguay, though he was released after cooperating with authorities. He was arrested again in October 1999 for the same reason, though he was again released after authorities failed to gather sufficient evidence to charge him. Fayad was arrested for a third time on November 8, 2001, at the Galería Page shopping center (today known as Shopping Uniamérica) in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, after authorities found evidence that he was transferring large sums of money to banks in Lebanon and Canada almost daily. He was indicted for tax evasion, falsified document use, and running a business without accounting books, and underwent trial in November 2002.“Terrorist and Organized Crime Groups in the Tri-Border Area (TBA) of South America,” Library of Congress, July 2003, 2, 20, https://www.loc.gov/rr/frd/pdf-files/TerrOrgCrime_TBA.pdf. Fayad was convicted and sentenced to six and a half years in prison.“Libanés condenado por evasión ya está recluido en la Agrupación,” November 23, 2002, http://www.abc.com.py/edicion-impresa/policiales/libanes-condenado-por-evasion-ya-esta-recluido-en-la-agrupacion-673509.html. After he was released from Paraguayan custody in 2009, Paraguay has since reportedly lost track of his whereabouts.“The many criminal heads of the Golden Hydra,” Counter Extremism Project, accessed May 25, 2018, https://www.counterextremism.com/sites/default/files/The%20Many%20Criminal%20Heads%20of%20the%20Golden%20Hydra%20%28May%202018%29.pdf.

Fayad was designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the U.S. Department of the Treasury on December 6, 2006.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Fundraising Network in the Triple Frontier of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp190.aspx. According to the designation, he held both Lebanese and Paraguayan citizenship, as well as multiple Paraguayan passports, at the time.“Recent OFAC Actions,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/pages/20061206.aspx.

Fayad’s Facebook account suggests that he has traveled extensively in recent years on a valid Paraguayan passport, according to a 2017 congressional testimony from Dr. Emanuele Ottolenghi of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies. In December 2015, Fayad reportedly traveled to Karbala, Iraq, to complete a pilgrimage. In September 2016, he reportedly flew from Brazil to Lebanon and then Saudi Arabia to fulfill the Islamic Hajj pilgrimage. In 2017, Fayad reportedly returned to Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, and also visited Damascus, Syria.Dr. Emanuele Ottolenghi, “Examining the Effectiveness of the Kingpin Designation Act in the Western Hemisphere,” Congressional Testimony: Foundation for Defense of Democracies, November 8, 2017, http://docs.house.gov/meetings/FA/FA07/20171108/106606/HHRG-115-FA07-Wstate-OttolenghiE-20171108.pdf.

United States

The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated “Sobhi Mahmoud Fayad” as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13224 on December 6, 2016.“Treasury Targets Hizballah Fundraising Network in the Triple Frontier of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp190.aspx.

• Sobhi Mahmoud Fayadh“Recent OFAC Actions,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/pages/20061206.aspx.
• Soubi Mamout Fayad“Recent OFAC Actions,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/pages/20061206.aspx.
• Subhi Mahmud Fayyad“Recent OFAC Actions,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2006, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/pages/20061206.aspx.

Adel Mohammad Cherri is a U.S.-designated Lebanese businessman accused of using his China-based company Le-Hua Electronic Field Co. Limited as a front to conduct transactions on behalf of Hezbollah.“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Procurement Agents and Their Companies,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0255.aspx. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Cherri has used his company to buy dual-use technology and equipment from Asian suppliers for Hezbollah. He has also used the front to, “procure a variety of electronics from China for transport to Yemen for use in improvised explosive devices by” Iran- and Hezbollah-supported Houthi fighters.“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Procurement Agents and Their Companies,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0255.aspx. There are conflicting reports on whether or not Le-Hua Electronic Field Co. Limited is still operating.“Le-Hua Electronic Field Co., Limited,” Company Search, http://www.hkcompanycheck.com/le-hua-electronic-field-co-limited-hkepfphkc/#.WyvFFC_Myu4; “Le-Hua Electronic Field Co., Limited,” Company Search, https://www.hongkongcompany.net/company_information?utm_term=Le-hua-Electronic-Field-Co-Limited&utm_source=irigahke.

The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) added Cherri and his company to its list of Specially Designated Nationals on November 5, 2015.“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Procurement Agents and Their Companies,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0255.aspx; “Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20151105.aspx. Soon after, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia imposed sanctions on Cherri and Le-Hua Electronic Field Co. Limited on February 25, 2016.“Kingdom Imposes Sanctions on Individuals and Entities Linked to Hezbollah,” The Embassy of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, February 25, 2016, https://www.saudiembassy.net/news/kingdom-imposes-sanctions-individuals-and-entities-linked-hezbollah. As of February 27, 2016, Cherri remains in China.“Kingdom extends Hezbollah sanctions,” Arab News, February 27, 2016, http://www.arabnews.com/news/887121.

United States

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control designated Adel Mohamad Cherri a Specially Designated National and sanctioned his company Le-Hua Electronic Field Co. Limited under Executive Order 13224 on November 5, 2015.“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Procurement Agents and Their Companies,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0255.aspx; “Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20151105.aspx.

Saudi Arabia

On February 25, 2016, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia designated Adel Mohammed Sheri and his Le-Hua Electronic Field Co. Limited under the Terrorism Crimes and Financing Laws and Royal Decree No. A/44.“Kingdom Imposes Sanctions on Individuals and Entities Linked to Hezbollah,” The Embassy of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, February 25, 2016, https://www.saudiembassy.net/news/kingdom-imposes-sanctions-individuals-and-entities-linked-hezbollah; “Kingdom extends Hezbollah sanctions,” Arab News, February 27, 2017,  http://www.arabnews.com/news/887121.

• Adel Mohammed Sheri“Lebanon’s PM issues ultimatum over Hezbollah,” Times of Israel, February 26, 2016, http://www.timesofisrael.com/lebanons-pm-issues-ultimatum-over-hezbollah/?fb_comment_id=1000789029960154_1001213523251038#f262ee6f6860f06.
• Adel Mohammad Cheri“Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20151105.aspx.
• ‘Adil Shirri“Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20151105.aspx.

Adel Mohammad Cherri is a U.S.-designated Lebanese businessman accused of using his China-based company Le-Hua Electronic Field Co. Limited as a front to conduct transactions on behalf of Hezbollah.“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Procurement Agents and Their Companies,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0255.aspx. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Cherri has used his company to buy dual-use technology and equipment from Asian suppliers for Hezbollah. He has also used the front to, “procure a variety of electronics from China for transport to Yemen for use in improvised explosive devices by” Iran- and Hezbollah-supported Houthi fighters.“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Procurement Agents and Their Companies,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0255.aspx. There are conflicting reports on whether or not Le-Hua Electronic Field Co. Limited is still operating.“Le-Hua Electronic Field Co., Limited,” Company Search, http://www.hkcompanycheck.com/le-hua-electronic-field-co-limited-hkepfphkc/#.WyvFFC_Myu4; “Le-Hua Electronic Field Co., Limited,” Company Search, https://www.hongkongcompany.net/company_information?utm_term=Le-hua-Electronic-Field-Co-Limited&utm_source=irigahke.

The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) added Cherri and his company to its list of Specially Designated Nationals on November 5, 2015.“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Procurement Agents and Their Companies,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0255.aspx; “Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20151105.aspx. Soon after, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia imposed sanctions on Cherri and Le-Hua Electronic Field Co. Limited on February 25, 2016.“Kingdom Imposes Sanctions on Individuals and Entities Linked to Hezbollah,” The Embassy of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, February 25, 2016, https://www.saudiembassy.net/news/kingdom-imposes-sanctions-individuals-and-entities-linked-hezbollah. As of February 27, 2016, Cherri remains in China.“Kingdom extends Hezbollah sanctions,” Arab News, February 27, 2016, http://www.arabnews.com/news/887121.

United States

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control designated Adel Mohamad Cherri a Specially Designated National and sanctioned his company Le-Hua Electronic Field Co. Limited under Executive Order 13224 on November 5, 2015.“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Procurement Agents and Their Companies,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0255.aspx; “Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20151105.aspx.

Saudi Arabia

On February 25, 2016, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia designated Adel Mohammed Sheri and his Le-Hua Electronic Field Co. Limited under the Terrorism Crimes and Financing Laws and Royal Decree No. A/44.“Kingdom Imposes Sanctions on Individuals and Entities Linked to Hezbollah,” The Embassy of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, February 25, 2016, https://www.saudiembassy.net/news/kingdom-imposes-sanctions-individuals-and-entities-linked-hezbollah; “Kingdom extends Hezbollah sanctions,” Arab News, February 27, 2017,  http://www.arabnews.com/news/887121.

• Adel Mohammed Sheri“Lebanon’s PM issues ultimatum over Hezbollah,” Times of Israel, February 26, 2016, http://www.timesofisrael.com/lebanons-pm-issues-ultimatum-over-hezbollah/?fb_comment_id=1000789029960154_1001213523251038#f262ee6f6860f06.
• Adel Mohammad Cheri“Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20151105.aspx.
• ‘Adil Shirri“Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20151105.aspx.

Ali Zeaiter is a U.S.-designated Lebanese businessman who has provided material support for Hezbollah. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Zeaiter has used three different companies—Stars International Ltd., Aero Skyone Co. Limited, and Labico Sal Offshore—as fronts for conducting transactions on behalf of the Lebanese terror group.“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Procurement Agents and Their Companies,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0255.aspx; “Treasury Sanctions Procurement Agents of Hizballah Front Company Based in Lebanon With Subsidiaries in the UAE and China,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, July 10, 2014, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2562.aspx.

Zeaiter was the general manager of Lebanon-based Stars International Ltd. when the United States designated the company in July 2014. Zeaiter allegedly used Stars International Ltd. to purchase engines, communications, and navigation equipment for use in unmanned aerial vehicles on behalf of Hezbollah.“Treasury Sanctions Procurement Agents of Hizballah Front Company Based in Lebanon With Subsidiaries in the UAE and China,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, July 10, 2014, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2562.aspx. Zeaiter allegedly relied on “false end-user certificates, mislabeled air waybills, and other fraudulent methods to avoid export restrictions and otherwise conceal the fact that Hizballah was the ultimate end-user or beneficiary of these goods.”“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Procurement Agents and Their Companies,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0255.aspx.

The United States designated China-based Aero Skyone Co. Limited and Labico Sal Offshore in November 2015 because they were owned or controlled by Zeaiter. According to the U.S. government, Zeaiter used Aero Skyone Co. Limited to acquire engines and other UAV equipment from suppliers in Europe and Asia for Hezbollah.“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Procurement Agents and Their Companies,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0255.aspx.

On February 25, 2016, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also sanctioned Zeaiter, Aero Skyone Co. Limited, and Labico Sal Offshore.“Kingdom Imposes Sanctions on Individuals and Entities Linked to Hezbollah,” The Embassy of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, February 25, 2016, https://www.saudiembassy.net/news/kingdom-imposes-sanctions-individuals-and-entities-linked-hezbollah.

United States

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) designated Ali Zeaiter a Specially Designated National on July 10, 2014.“Treasury Sanctions Procurement Agents of Hizballah Front Company Based in Lebanon With Subsidiaries in the UAE and China,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, July 10, 2014, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2562.aspx; “Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, July 10, 2014, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20140710.aspx.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control designated the Ali Zeaiter-controlled company Stars International Ltd. on July 10, 2014.“Treasury Sanctions Procurement Agents of Hizballah Front Company Based in Lebanon With Subsidiaries in the UAE and China,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, July 10, 2014, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2562.aspx; “Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, July 10, 2014, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20140710.aspx.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) designated the Ali Zeaiter-controlled companies Aero Skyone Co. Limited and Labico Sal Offshore under Executive Order 13224 on November 5, 2015.“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Procurement Agents and Their Companies,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0255.aspx; “Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, July 10, 2014, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20140710.aspx.

Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia designated Ali Hussein Zeaiter and his companies Aero Skyone Co. Limited and Labico Sal Offshore under the Terrorism Crimes and Financing Laws and Royal Decree No. A/44 on February 25, 2016.“Kingdom Imposes Sanctions on Individuals and Entities Linked to Hezbollah,” The Embassy of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, February 25, 2016, https://www.saudiembassy.net/news/kingdom-imposes-sanctions-individuals-and-entities-linked-hezbollah; “Kingdom extends Hezbollah sanctions,” Arab News, February 27, 2017, http://www.arabnews.com/news/887121.

• Ali Zoeiter“Treasury Sanctions Procurement Agents of Hizballah Front Company Based in Lebanon With Subsidiaries in the UAE and China,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, July 10, 2014, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2562.aspx.
• ‘Ali Zu’aytar“Treasury Sanctions Procurement Agents of Hizballah Front Company Based in Lebanon With Subsidiaries in the UAE and China,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, July 10, 2014, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2562.aspx.
• Ali Husayn Zu’aytir“Treasury Sanctions Procurement Agents of Hizballah Front Company Based in Lebanon With Subsidiaries in the UAE and China,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, July 10, 2014, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2562.aspx.

Fadi Hussein Serhan is a U.S.-designated Lebanese businessman accused of providing material support to the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah through his Beirut-based electronics store, Vatech SARL.“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Procurement Agents and Their Companies,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0255.aspx. According to the U.S. government, Serhan has used Vatech as a front to purchase unmanned aerial vehicles, equipment to build drones, and other technology from companies in the United States, Europe, and Asia on behalf of Hezbollah.“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Procurement Agents and Their Companies,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0255.aspx; Charles Hoskinson, “U.S. accuses Chinese firms of buying drones for Hezbollah,” Washington Examiner, November 5, 2015, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/us-accuses-chinese-firms-of-buying-drones-for-hezbollah.

According to the company website, Vatech is a “specialist broadcast engineering company” that sells cameras, drones, and other video recording and editing equipment.“About Vatech,” Vatech, http://www.vatech.com.lb/About.aspx. In a statement by Serhan’s lawyer, Hussein Saleh, “neither Vatech nor Serhan have any dealings with Hezbollah,” but Saleh also went on to say that Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity “Al-Manar is one of [Serhan’s] clients.”Philip Issa, “U.S.-sanctioned man innocent: lawyer,” The Daily Star, November 7, 2015, https://www.pressreader.com/lebanon/the-daily-star-lebanon/20151107/281621009215246. Al-Manar was designated by the U.S. in 2004 for its ties to Hezbollah. Saleh justified Vatech’s sales to Al-Manar saying, “You can use a camera to film a TV program, or you can use it to film a battle. And Al-Manar makes up less than 10 percent of his business.”Philip Issa, “U.S.-sanctioned man innocent: lawyer,” The Daily Star, November 7, 2015, https://www.pressreader.com/lebanon/the-daily-star-lebanon/20151107/281621009215246.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned Serhan and Vatech SARL on November 5, 2015, for their ties to Hezbollah.“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Procurement Agents and Their Companies,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0255.aspx. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia sanctioned Serhan and his company on February 25, 2016.“Kingdom Imposes Sanctions on Individuals and Entities Linked to Hezbollah,” The Embassy of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, February 25, 2016, https://www.saudiembassy.net/news/kingdom-imposes-sanctions-individuals-and-entities-linked-hezbollah. As of February 27, 2016, Serhan remains in Lebanon.“Kingdom extends Hezbollah sanctions,” Arab News, February 27, 2016, http://www.arabnews.com/news/887121.

United States

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) designated Fadi Hussein Serhan a Specially Designated National and sanctioned his company, Vatech SARL, under Executive Order 13224 on November 5, 2015.“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Procurement Agents and Their Companies,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0255.aspx; “Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20151105.aspx.

Saudi Arabia

On February 25, 2016, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia designated Fadi Hussein Serhan and his company, Vatech SARL, under the Terrorism Crimes and Financing Laws and Royal Decree No. A/44.“Kingdom Imposes Sanctions on Individuals and Entities Linked to Hezbollah,” The Embassy of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, February 25, 2016, https://www.saudiembassy.net/news/kingdom-imposes-sanctions-individuals-and-entities-linked-hezbollah; “Kingdom extends Hezbollah sanctions,” Arab News, February 27, 2017,  http://www.arabnews.com/news/887121.

• Fadi Hussein Sarhan“Lebanon’s PM issues ultimatum over Hezbollah,” Times of Israel, February 26, 2016, http://www.timesofisrael.com/lebanons-pm-issues-ultimatum-over-hezbollah/?fb_comment_id=1000789029960154_1001213523251038#f262ee6f6860f06.
• Fadi Husayn Sarhan“Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20151105.aspx.
• Fadi Sirhan“Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 5, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20151105.aspx.

“The resistance has precision and non-precision missiles in their possession. If Israel wages a war on Lebanon, they will face a situation they would have never expected.”“Nasrallah warns Israel: The resistance has evolved,” Daily Star (Beirut), September 20, 2018, http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2018/Sep-20/463997-nasrallah-warns-israel-the-resistance-has-evolved.ashx.

“It is our responsibility to stand with Iran.”“Nasrallah warns Israel: The resistance has evolved,” Daily Star (Beirut), September 20, 2018, http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2018/Sep-20/463997-nasrallah-warns-israel-the-resistance-has-evolved.ashx.

Address marking the 12-year anniversary of the end of the 2006 war with Israel:

“No one should threaten us with wars. If someone will go to war [with us] they are welcome. We are not afraid, we are prepared and if God is willing, we will win.”“Hezbollah at its strongest, Nasrallah warns Israel,” Daily Star (Beirut), August 15, 2018, http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2018/Aug-15/460275-hezbollah-at-its-strongest-nasrallah-warns-israel.ashx.

Europe has a Hezbollah problem.

Last June, Hezbollah flags flew across London as protesters marked Quds Day, Iran’s annual day of anti-Israel protests. British officials found themselves unable to block the protests as demonstrators argued that they were supporting Hezbollah’s legal political wing and not its U.K.-sanctioned deadly military arm.

That is about to change. On Monday, the U.K. Home Office announced intentions to designate Hezbollah in its entirety, a commendable—if long overdue—move. The Home Office expects the full ban to go into effect on Friday once it passes Parliament. Citing Hezbollah’s intervention in the Syrian civil war and continued stockpiling of weapons in southern Lebanon in contravention of U.N. resolutions, the Home Office declared that it was “no longer tenable to distinguish between the military and political wings of” Hezbollah. This is an understatement at best. But now that the United Kingdom has taken this step, it is past time that the European Union followed this example and designated Hezbollah in its entirety as a terrorist organization.

The United Kingdom first designated Hezbollah’s military wing in 2001 but maintained a distinction between the terror group’s terrorist and political wings. The European Union designated Hezbollah’s military wing in 2013, making the same distinction fearing that it would upset relations with Lebanon, where Hezbollah is a powerful political party. The result was that political support of Hezbollah remained legal, which has led to public displays of support for the Lebanese terror group in Europe under the guise of political demonstrations. In response, Germany moved in 2016 to ban Hezbollah’s flag as a symbol of violent propaganda, though it did not take the step of banning the group as a whole. The United Kingdom will become only the second EU country to have banned Hezbollah in its entirety. In 2004, the Netherlands designated Hezbollah as a whole as a terrorist group, recognizing that “Hezbollah’s political and terrorist wings are controlled by one co-ordinating council.”

Countries that have banned Hezbollah as a whole—such as the United States and Canada—still maintain ties with Lebanon—just not with Hezbollah’s political representation. This should be the model for the European Union as well.

Even Hezbollah has long scoffed at Europe’s false division of the group. As far back as 2000, Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassemsaid that “Hezbollah’s secretary-general is the head of the Shura Council and also the head of the Jihad Council, and this means that we have one leadership, with one administration.” Qassem reaffirmed Hezbollah’s unitary structure in 2012: “We don’t have a military wing and a political one; we don’t have Hezbollah on one hand and the resistance party on the other.” Hezbollah readily admits that its politicians and its combatants both take orders from Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah. So why does Europe continue to insist otherwise?

Hezbollah has targeted Europe for decades. In June 1985, Hezbollah was responsible for the hijacking of TWA Flight 847 traveling from Athens to Rome. On July 18, 2012, a suicide bomber killed five Israeli tourists and the Bulgarian driver aboard an Israeli tour bus in Burgas, Bulgaria. Bulgarian officials identified Hezbollah as responsible for the attack. In 2013, a Cypriot court sentenced Lebanese-Swedish national Hossam Taleb Yaccoub to three years in prison for collecting intelligence on Israeli tourist targets on behalf of Hezbollah.

The EU’s failure to recognize Hezbollah for what it is will only hurt Lebanon by continuing to legitimize the terror group. Hezbollah has long had a detrimental effect on Lebanon, politically and militarily. Most recently, Hezbollah received the powerful Health Ministry portfolio in the Lebanese government. This has raised worldwide concerns that Hezbollah may try to siphon resources to Shiite areas of Lebanon—where Hezbollah maintains its political base—and away from Sunni regions that generally oppose the group. Another fear is that Hezbollah could redirect government funding to care for its fighters returning from Syria, further cementing Lebanon’s role in a war it never wanted.

The U.K. government’s decision to ban all of Hezbollah is a recognition of the reality of Hezbollah’s unitary leadership structure and its detrimental impact on Lebanon itself. The European Union remains in denial as long as it promotes its artificial division of Hezbollah’s ranks.

In an interviewing claiming that Hezbollah has enough missiles to significantly destroy Israel

“Of course, the resistance can target this entire region, including Eilat. We used to say [we could target] anything south of Haifa, [and we were] referring to Tel Aviv, but today we say 'anything south of Tel Aviv' and 'anything south of Eilat.' If they have something south of Eilat, we will get there also, Allah willing…The entire northern [part of Israel] is within the range of our [weapons], from any part of Lebanon. We can [target] the north whenever we please.”“Hizbullah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah: We Have Enough Missiles To Send Israel Back To The Stone Age; Iran Would Be The First To Attack Israel If War Breaks Out,” July 17, 2019, https://www.memri.org/reports/hizbullah-secretary-general-hassan-nasrallah-we-have-enough-missiles-send-israel-back-stone.

Ali Musa Daqduq is a Hezbollah commander who has trained Iran-backed militants to attack U.S. forces in Iraq. The United States accuses Daqduq of orchestrating a January 20, 2007, attack on U.S. troops in Karbala, Iraq, that killed five.“Daqduq Tribunal Chargesheet,” New York Times, January 3, 2012, https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/302052/daqduq-tribunal-chargesheet.pdf. Daqduq was imprisoned in Iraq for his role in the attack but was freed in 2012.“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Leadership,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, August 22, 2013, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2147.aspx; Michael R. Gordon, “Against U.S. Wishes, Iraq Releases Man Accused of Killing American Soldiers,” New York Times, November 16, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/world/middleeast/iraq-said-to-release-hezbollah-operative.html. Since 2018, Daqduq has reportedly been building a clandestine Hezbollah network in Syria along the Israeli border.Anna Ahronheim, “Hezbollah’s new terror project mastermind: ‘Worst of the worst’ – Analysis,” Jerusalem Post, March 18, 2019, https://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Daqduq-Hezbollahs-worst-of-the-worst-583413.

Daqduq first joined Hezbollah in 1983. He was soon assigned to command Department 2800, a Special Operations unit in Lebanon. Daqduq later coordinated the personal security of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.Phil Stewart, “Pentagon chief urges Iraq to keep Daqduq behind bars,” Reuters, June 22, 2012, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-panetta-iraq/pentagon-chief-urges-iraq-to-keep-daqduq-behind-bars-idUSBRE85L0UM20120622; American Forces Press Service, “Iran Arming, Training, Directing Terror Groups in Iraq, U.S. Official Says,” U.S. Army, July 3, 2007, https://www.army.mil/article/3890/iran_arming_training_directing_terror_groups_in_iraq_us_official_says. In 2005, Hezbollah sent Daqduq to Iran to train militants there alongside the Quds Force, the expeditionary wing of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). According to a U.S. assessment, Daqduq took groups of 20 to 60 Iraqis at a time to training camps inside Iran. These militants received training in intelligence, sniper and kidnapping operations, and explosives, according to U.S. military officials. These militants were part of the so-called Special Groups, Iran-supported militias in Iraq.John F. Burns and Michael R. Gordon, “U.S. Says Iran Helped Iraqis Kill Five G.I.’s,” New York Times, July 3, 2007, https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/03/world/middleeast/03iraq.html. In May 2006, the Quds Force sent Daqduq to Iraq to train the Special Groups. Daqduq traveled between Iran and Iraq at least four times over the following year to provide resources to Iraqi militants on behalf of Hezbollah. Among his tasks, Daqduq allegedly provided advice, training, and other assistance to Iran-backed militia Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH) leaders Qais al-Khazali, Laith al-Khazali, and other AAH members.“Daqduq Tribunal Chargesheet,” New York Times, January 3, 2012, https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/302052/daqduq-tribunal-chargesheet.pdf.

On January 20, 2007, AAH killed five U.S. soldiers after attacking the Iraqi government’s provincial headquarters in Karbala. Qais and Laith al-Khazali led the attack, which Daqduq is accused of orchestrating.“Daqduq Tribunal Chargesheet,” New York Times, January 3, 2012, https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/302052/daqduq-tribunal-chargesheet.pdf; Sam Wyer, “The Resurgence of Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq,” Middle East Security Report 7 (December 2012): 12, http://www.understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/ResurgenceofAAH.pdf; “Iraq Releases Man Held In Slayings of U.S. Soldiers,” CNN, June 9, 2009, http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/06/09/iraq.prisoner.release/index.html?_s=PM:WORLD; David D. Kirkpatrick, “Shiite Militias Pose Challenge for U.S. in Iraq,” New York Times, September 16, 2014, http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/17/world/middleeast/shiite-militias-pose-challenge-for-us-in-iraq.html; “Treasury Sanctions Iran-Backed Militia Leaders Who Killed Innocent Demonstrators in Iraq,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 6, 2019, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm847. Coalition forces captured Daqduq and the al-Khazali brothers in Basra on March 20, 2007.American Forces Press Service, “Iran Arming, Training, Directing Terror Groups in Iraq, U.S. Official Says,” U.S. Army, July 3, 2007, https://www.army.mil/article/3890/iran_arming_training_directing_terror_groups_in_iraq_us_official_says. Daqduq refused to speak for weeks following his capture, which led U.S. forces to give him the nickname Hamid the Mute. Toward the end of April, he passed a note to guards that he would confess on May 1. The delay is suspected of giving compatriots time to hide. Beginning on May 1, Daqduq made multiple confessions to U.S. forces regarding the 2007 attack and Hezbollah’s operations in Iraq.John F. Burns and Michael R. Gordon, “U.S. Says Iran Helped Iraqis Kill Five G.I.’s,” New York Times, July 3, 2007, https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/03/world/middleeast/03iraq.html; “Man with al-Sadr ties held in attack on U.S. troops,” CNN.com, March 22, 2007, http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/03/22/iraq.main/. According to confessions by Daqduq and Qais al-Khazali, senior members of the Quds Force leadership supported the January 2007 operation.John F. Burns and Michael R. Gordon, “U.S. Says Iran Helped Iraqis Kill Five G.I.’s,” New York Times, July 3, 2007, https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/03/world/middleeast/03iraq.html.

Laith al-Khazali was released from U.S. military custody in Iraq in June 2009.Alissa J. Rubin and Michael R. Gordon, “U.S. Frees Suspect in Killing of 5 G.I.’s,” New York Times, June 8, 2009, https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/09/world/middleeast/09release.html?auth=login-smartlock. Qais al-Khazali was released in January 2010.Ernesto Londoño and Leila Fadel, “U.S. failure to neutralize Shiite militia in Iraq threatens to snarl pullout,” Washington Post, March 4, 2010, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/03/AR2010030303674.html; Sam Wyer, “The Resurgence of Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq,” Middle East Security Report 7 (December 2012): 11-12, http://www.understandingwar.org/sites/default/files/ResurgenceofAAH.pdf. By the start of December 2011, the United States was preparing to complete its withdrawal from Iraq by the end of the year. Daqduq was the last remaining security prisoner in U.S. custody and officials wanted to ensure that he would remain in prison. U.S. military and political leaders debated bringing Daqduq back to the United States for prosecution or transferring him to the military facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, versus transferring him to Iraqi authorities with the possibility that he would be quickly freed. The 2008 Status of Forces Agreement between Iraq and the United States barred the latter from removing prisoners from Iraq without the consent of the Iraqi government.Charlie Savage, “Detainee in Iraq Poses a Dilemma as U.S. Exit Nears,” New York Times, December 11, 2011, https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/12/world/middleeast/militarys-last-detainee-in-iraq-poses-dilemma-for-obama.html. President Barack Obama and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki discussed Daqduq’s fate during a December 12 White House meeting but did not reach a consensus.Mark Landler, “Obama and Iraqi Premier Signify Shift to a Postwar Partnership,” New York Times, December 12, 2011, https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/13/world/middleeast/obama-meets-maliki-to-chart-broad-shifts-in-iraq.html. On December 16, U.S. forces transferred Daqduq to Iraqi custody after receiving assurances that he would be tried.Charlie Savage, “U.S. Transfers Its Last Prisoner in Iraq to Iraqi Custody,” New York Times, December 16, 2011, https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/17/world/middleeast/us-transfers-last-prisoner-to-iraqi-government.html.

U.S. officials suspected that Daqduq’s admissions to belonging to Hezbollah and orchestrating the 2007 attack would be dismissed by the Iraqi courts, but instead hoped Daqduq would be sentenced for illegally entering Iraq. Military officials issued assurances that Daqduq had confessed of his own free will and had not been subjected to torture or other enhanced interrogation.Jack Healy and Charlie Savage, “Iraqi Court Acts to Free Suspect in Deadly Raid on G.I.’s,” New York Times, May 7, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/08/world/middleeast/in-case-that-has-vexed-americans-defendant-in-iraq-could-go-free.html?searchResultPosition=5. In preparation for a possible extradition request, U.S. military prosecutors filed charges against Daqduq on January 3, 2012. They charged him with murder, perfidy, terrorism, and espionage.Charlie Savage, “Prisoner in Iraq Tied to Hezbollah Faces U.S. Military Charges,” New York Times, February 23, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/24/world/middleeast/us-approves-military-tribunal-case-for-detainee.html?searchResultPosition=3. Nonetheless, on May 7, 2012, an Iraqi court ordered Daqduq be released from custody based on a lack of evidence linking him to the January 2007 attack.Jack Healy and Charlie Savage, “Iraqi Court Acts to Free Suspect in Deadly Raid on G.I.’s,” New York Times, May 7, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/08/world/middleeast/in-case-that-has-vexed-americans-defendant-in-iraq-could-go-free.html?searchResultPosition=5.

Then-U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta told Reuters in June 2012 that the Iraqi government had pledged it would not release Daqduq.Phil Stewart, “Pentagon chief urges Iraq to keep Daqduq behind bars,” Reuters, June 22, 2012, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-panetta-iraq/pentagon-chief-urges-iraq-to-keep-daqduq-behind-bars-idUSBRE85L0UM20120622. The United States sought to extradite Daqduq, but an Iraqi court ruled that the charges against Daqduq had already been dropped and rejected the request that August.Associated Press, “Iraq Blocks US Extradition for Hezbollah Commander,” San Diego Union-Tribune, August 2, 2012, https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/sdut-iraq-blocks-us-extradition-for-hezbollah-commander-2012aug02-story.html. Despite U.S. objections, Iraqi officials released Daqduq in November 2012.“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Leadership,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, August 22, 2013, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2147.aspx; Michael R. Gordon, “Against U.S. Wishes, Iraq Releases Man Accused of Killing American Soldiers,” New York Times, November 16, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/world/middleeast/iraq-said-to-release-hezbollah-operative.html. Hezbollah’s representative in Iraq, Mohammad al-Kawtharani, reportedly helped secure Daqduq’s release.“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Leadership,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, August 22, 2013, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2147.aspx; Michael R. Gordon, “Against U.S. Wishes, Iraq Releases Man Accused of Killing American Soldiers,” New York Times, November 16, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/world/middleeast/iraq-said-to-release-hezbollah-operative.html.

In March 2019, Israeli media reported that Daqduq was setting up a clandestine Hezbollah network called the Golan Project in the Syrian-controlled Golan Heights. According to Israeli intelligence, the network is collecting intelligence on Israeli military activity along the border. Hezbollah reportedly appointed Daqduq to head up this network in late 2018. According to the Israeli military, Hezbollah set up the network without notifying the Syrian regime.Felicia Schwartz, “Israel Says Hezbollah Operative Is Setting Up a Terror Network in Golan Heights,” Wall Street Journal, March 13, 2019, https://www.wsj.com/articles/israel-says-hezbollah-operative-is-setting-up-a-terror-network-in-golan-heights-11552449610?mod=searchresults&page=1&pos=1; Anna Ahronheim, “Hezbollah’s new terror project mastermind: ‘Worst of the worst’ - Analysis,” Jerusalem Post, March 18, 2019, https://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Daqduq-Hezbollahs-worst-of-the-worst-583413.

United States

The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Ali Mussa Daqduq al-Musawi pursuant to Executive Order 13224 for acting on behalf of Hezbollah on November 19, 2012.“Treasury Designates Hizballah Commander Responsible for American Deaths in Iraq,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 19, 2012, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg1775.aspx.

• Abu Husayn Sajad“Daqduq Tribunal Chargesheet,” New York Times, January 3, 2012, https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/302052/daqduq-tribunal-chargesheet.pdf.
• Ali Mussa Daqduq al-Musawi“Treasury Designates Hizballah Commander Responsible for American Deaths in Iraq,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 19, 2012, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg1775.aspx.
• Ali Musa Daqduq“Treasury Designates Hizballah Commander Responsible for American Deaths in Iraq,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 19, 2012, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg1775.aspx.
• Hamid al Lebnani“Daqduq Tribunal Chargesheet,” New York Times, January 3, 2012, https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/302052/daqduq-tribunal-chargesheet.pdf.
• Hamid Jabur al Lami“Daqduq Tribunal Chargesheet,” New York Times, January 3, 2012, https://assets.documentcloud.org/documents/302052/daqduq-tribunal-chargesheet.pdf.
• Hamid Muhammad Jabur al-Lami“Treasury Designates Hizballah Commander Responsible for American Deaths in Iraq,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 19, 2012, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg1775.aspx.
• Hamid Muhammad al-Lami“Treasury Designates Hizballah Commander Responsible for American Deaths in Iraq,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 19, 2012, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg1775.aspx.
• Husayn Muhammad Jabur al-Musui“Treasury Designates Hizballah Commander Responsible for American Deaths in Iraq,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 19, 2012, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg1775.aspx.
• Hamid Muhammad Jabur al-Musui“Treasury Designates Hizballah Commander Responsible for American Deaths in Iraq,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 19, 2012, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg1775.aspx.
• Hamid Muhammad Daqduq al-Musawi“Treasury Designates Hizballah Commander Responsible for American Deaths in Iraq,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 19, 2012, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg1775.aspx.
• Hamid Muhammad Jabur al-Musawi“Treasury Designates Hizballah Commander Responsible for American Deaths in Iraq,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 19, 2012, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg1775.aspx.
• Hamid Majid ‘Abd al-Yunis“Treasury Designates Hizballah Commander Responsible for American Deaths in Iraq,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, November 19, 2012, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/tg1775.aspx.
• Hamid the MuteMichael R. Gordon, “Hezbollah Trains Iraqis in Iran, Officials Say,” New York Times, May 5, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/05/world/middleeast/05iran.html.

Mohammed al-Kawtharani is the U.S.-designated Hezbollah representative in Iraq and a member of Hezbollah’s political council.“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Leadership,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, August 22, 2013, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2147.aspx. Since the death of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Qasem Soleimani in January 2020, Kawtharani has overseen the Iran-backed Shiite militias operating in Iraq.“Tehran-backed Hezbollah steps in to guide Iraqi militias in Soleimani's wake,” Reuters, February 11, 2020, https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-iran-iraq-hezbollah-insight-idUKKBN205204.

Kawtharani’s primary responsibility is to promote Hezbollah’s interests in the country. In this regard Kawtharani acts as a conduit for training, funding, and other forms of Hezbollah support to Iraqi Shiite militias. According to the U.S. government Kawtharani assisted in the transport of fighters from Iraq to Syria to support the Assad regime. Kawtharani also helped secure the release of senior Hezbollah commander Ali Mussa Daqduq from Iraqi custody in 2012. The U.S.-designated Duqduq planned multiple attacks against coalition forces in Iraq, including a January 20, 2007, attack that killed five U.S. soldiers. The United States opposed Daqduq’s release.“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Leadership,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, August 22, 2013, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2147.aspx; Michael R. Gordon, “Against U.S. Wishes, Iraq Releases Man Accused of Killing American Soldiers,” New York Times, November 16, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/world/middleeast/iraq-said-to-release-hezbollah-operative.html. An Iraqi Shiite leader told Reuters Soleimani trusted Kawtharani and relied on him in times of crisis.“Tehran-backed Hezbollah steps in to guide Iraqi militias in Soleimani's wake,” Reuters, February 11, 2020, https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-iran-iraq-hezbollah-insight-idUKKBN205204.

Kawtharani has been involved in Iranian-sponsored negotiations to sway Iraqi leaders to support Iran’s preferred candidates for prime minister. In 2010, Kawtharani traveled to Qom, Iran, to meet with Soleimani, Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, and representatives of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Sadr endorsed the pro-Iran Maliki that October to remain Iraq’s prime minister. Other Shiite political leaders followed soon after.Martin Chulov, “How Iran brokered a secret deal to put its ally in power in Iraq,” Guardian (London), October 17, 2010, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/oct/17/iran-secret-deal-political-power-iraq; Martin Chulov, “Iran brokers behind-the-scenes deal for pro-Tehran government in Iraq,” Guardian (London), October 17, 2010, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/oct/17/iraq-government-iran-tehran-deal. In December 2019, Kawtharani again joined Soleimani in discussions with Iraqi leaders on selecting a new prime minister after the resignation of Adel Abul Mahdi that November.Tzvi Joffre, “Hezbollah helping Iran’s Soleimani find new Iraqi PM – report,” Jerusalem Post, December 5, 2019, https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Hezbollah-helping-Irans-Soleimani-find-new-Iraqi-PM-report-609935. Kawtharani also reportedly persuaded Sadr to support Tawfiq Allawi, who was designated as Iraq’s new prime minister in February 2020.“Tehran-backed Hezbollah steps in to guide Iraqi militias in Soleimani’s wake,” Reuters, February 11, 2020, https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-iran-iraq-hezbollah-insight-idUKKBN205204.

Previously, the IRGC’s Quds Force was Iran’s primary liaison to its Iraqi proxies. After the death of Quds Force leader Soleimani in a U.S. airstrike on January 3, 2020, Hezbollah has taken responsibility for liaising between Iran and the Iraqi militias. As Hezbollah’s representative in Iraq and a trusted colleague of Soleimani’s, Kawtharani has taken on the role himself. His oversight of the Iranian-sponsored militias is reportedly temporary until Iran determines its strategy in the wake of Soleimani’s death.“Tehran-backed Hezbollah steps in to guide Iraqi militias in Soleimani’s wake,” Reuters, February 11, 2020, https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-iran-iraq-hezbollah-insight-idUKKBN205204.

United States

The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Mohammad Kawatharani pursuant to Executive Order 13224 on August 22, 2013.“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Leadership,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, August 22, 2013, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2147.aspx.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia added Mohammad Kawtharani to its terrorism sanction list in November 2015.“Saudi Arabia places Hizballah leaders under sanctions for ‘terrorism,’” The New Arab, November 26, 2015, https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2015/11/26/saudi-arabia-places-hizballah-leaders-under-sanctions-for-terrorism.

• Jafar al-Kawtharani“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Leadership,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, August 22, 2013, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2147.aspx.
• Mohammad Kawtharani“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Leadership,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, August 22, 2013, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2147.aspx.
• Muhammad Al-Kawtharani“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Leadership,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, August 22, 2013, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2147.aspx.
• Muhammad Kawtarani“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Leadership,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, August 22, 2013, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2147.aspx.
• Muhammad Kawtharani“Treasury Sanctions Hizballah Leadership,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, August 22, 2013, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl2147.aspx.

Jawad Nur-al-Din is the U.S.-designated director general of the Lebanon-based Martyrs Foundation, part of a transnational charitable network created by Iran to fund its terrorist proxies. In February 2020, the U.S. government imposed financial sanctions on Nur-al-Din, Sheikh Yusuf Aasi, Kassem Mohamad Ali Bazzi, and 12 Lebanon-based businesses for contributing to Hezbollah through the Martyrs Foundation.“Hezbollah’s Martyrs Foundation: purpose, mode of operation and funding methods,” Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, November 4, 2019, https://www.terrorism-info.org.il/en/hezbollahs-martyrs-foundation-purpose-mode-operation-funding-methods/; “Treasury Designates Martyrs Foundation Companies and Officials as Global Terrorists,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 26, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm917.

Iran established the Martyrs Foundation in 1982 to help facilitate the transfer of funds to Hezbollah and Iran’s other proxies. The foundation provides monthly stipends for education and health care to the families of martyrs, with a specific focus on children. According to Israel’s Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, the Martyrs Foundation has an annual expenditure of $100 million. The foundation’s budget is partially provided by Iran through Hezbollah while the remainder is raised through its fundraising network.“Hezbollah’s Martyrs Foundation: purpose, mode of operation and funding methods,” Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, November 4, 2019, https://www.terrorism-info.org.il/en/hezbollahs-martyrs-foundation-purpose-mode-operation-funding-methods/.

The U.S. government accuses the Martyrs Foundation of funneling money to Hezbollah, Hamas, and other terror groups in the Levant. According to the United States, senior members of the Martyrs Foundation in Lebanon were directly involved in Hezbollah operations during the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel. The Martyrs Foundation also created the Goodwill Charitable Organization (GCO), a fundraising office in Dearborn, Michigan, that acted as a Hezbollah front organization and reported to the Martyrs Foundation in Lebanon. The U.S. government designated both the Martyrs Foundation and GCO in July 2007.“Twin Treasury Actions Take Aim at Hizballah’s Support Network,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, July 24, 2007, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp503.aspx.

In his role with the Martyrs Foundation, Nur-al-Din oversees payments to the families of Hezbollah fighters who have been killed. Nur-al-Din works closely with and coordinates these payments with senior Hezbollah officials such as Hashem Safieddine. According to the U.S. government, Nur-al-Din publicly represents the Martyrs Foundation alongside senior Hezbollah officials including Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah.“Treasury Designates Martyrs Foundation Companies and Officials as Global Terrorists,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 26, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm917.

Along with Nur-al-Din, the United States also sanctioned Lebanon-based Atlas Holding and 11 other companies affiliated with the Martyrs Foundation. According to the Treasury Department, Atlas Holding is subordinate to Hezbollah’s Executive Council, which uses the company to conceal financial transactions for Hezbollah’s military activities. The Treasury Department accuses Hezbollah of using Atlas Holding to avoid financial sanctions. Atlas Holding owns or controls at least 10 companies in various Lebanese sectors, including fuel, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and clothing.“Treasury Designates Martyrs Foundation Companies and Officials as Global Terrorists,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 26, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm917.

Nur-al-Din is affiliated with seven of the 11 other companies the United States sanctioned in February 2020:

• Shahed Pharm: Nur-al-Din founded Shahed Pharm with Atlas Holding.
• Amana Plus Co.: Nur-al-Din and Bazzi founded the company.
• Al Kawthaw: Nur-al-Din founded the company with Atlas Holding.
• Amana Sanitary and Paints Company LTD: Nur-al-Din founded the company with Atlas Holding.
• City Pharma SARL: Nur-al-Din founded the company with Atlas Holding.
• Global Touristic Services SAL: Nur-al-Din founded the company with Atlas Holding and Bazzi. Nur-al-Din is also a member of the board of directors.
• Mirath SAL: Nur-al-Din is the chairman of the board and majority shareholder, as well as a founder of and authorized signatory for Mirath SAL.“Treasury Designates Martyrs Foundation Companies and Officials as Global Terrorists,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 26, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm917.

The Treasury Department also sanctioned Atlas subsidiaries Amana Fuel Co., Sanovera Pharm Company SARL, Medical Equipment & Drugs International Corporation (Medic), and Capital SAL.“Treasury Designates Martyrs Foundation Companies and Officials as Global Terrorists,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 26, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm917.

United States

The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Jawad Nur-al-Din a Specially Designated Global Terrorist on February 26, 2020.“Counter Terrorism Designations; South Sudan-related Designations Removals,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 26, 2020, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20200226.aspx.

• Jawad Nourredine“Counter Terrorism Designations; South Sudan-related Designations Removals,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 26, 2020, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20200226.aspx.
• Shawqi Jawad Mohamad Shafiq Nur al-Din“Counter Terrorism Designations; South Sudan-related Designations Removals,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 26, 2020, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20200226.aspx.
• Shawqi Muhammad Shafiq Nur al-Din“Counter Terrorism Designations; South Sudan-related Designations Removals,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 26, 2020, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20200226.aspx.

Kassem Mohammed Bazzi is the U.S.-designated CEO and chairman of Lebanon-based Atlas Holding, which the U.S. government accuses of aiding Hezbollah in skirting financial sanctions. In February 2020, the United States imposed financial sanctions on Bazzi, Atlas, Sheikh Yusuf Aasi, Jawad Nur-al-Din, and 11 other Lebanon-based businesses for contributing to Hezbollah through the Lebanon-based Martyrs Foundation.“Treasury Designates Martyrs Foundation Companies and Officials as Global Terrorists,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 26, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm917.

Iran established the Martyrs Foundation in 1982 to help facilitate the transfer of funds to Hezbollah and Iran’s other proxies. The foundation provides monthly stipends for education and health care to the families of martyrs, with a specific focus on children. According to Israel’s Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, the Martyrs Foundation has an annual expenditure of $100 million. The foundation’s budget is partially provided by Iran through Hezbollah while the remainder is raised through its fundraising network.“Hezbollah’s Martyrs Foundation: purpose, mode of operation and funding methods,” Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, November 4, 2019, https://www.terrorism-info.org.il/en/hezbollahs-martyrs-foundation-purpose-mode-operation-funding-methods/.

The U.S. government accuses the Martyrs Foundation of funneling money to Hezbollah, Hamas, and other terror groups in the Levant. According to the United States, senior members of the Martyrs Foundation in Lebanon were directly involved in Hezbollah operations during the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel. The Martyrs Foundation also created the Goodwill Charitable Organization (GCO), a fundraising office in Dearborn, Michigan, that acted as a Hezbollah front organization and reported to the Martyrs Foundation in Lebanon. The U.S. government designated both the Martyrs Foundation and GCO in July 2007.“Twin Treasury Actions Take Aim at Hizballah’s Support Network,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, July 24, 2007, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp503.aspx.

Bazzi was named the chairman and CEO of Atlas at its creation in 1986. Atlas’s founders included Aasi and Mohammad Ali Bashir.“Hezbollah’s Martyrs Foundation: purpose, mode of operation and funding methods,” Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, November 4, 2019, https://www.terrorism-info.org.il/en/hezbollahs-martyrs-foundation-purpose-mode-operation-funding-methods/. According to the U.S. government, Atlas Holding is subordinate to Hezbollah’s Executive Council, which uses the company to conceal financial transactions for Hezbollah’s military activities. The Treasury Department accuses Hezbollah of using Atlas Holding to avoid financial sanctions.“Treasury Designates Martyrs Foundation Companies and Officials as Global Terrorists,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 26, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm917.

As of 2019, Bazzi was CEO and chairman of Lebanon-based Atlas Holding, which was among the 12 Lebanese companies the United States sanctioned in February 2020 for affiliation with the Martyrs Foundation. Bazzi is Atlas Holding’s largest shareholder. Atlas Holding owns or controls at least 10 companies in various Lebanese sectors, including fuel, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and clothing. Bazzi is also an official of U.S.-sanctioned Atlas Holding subsidiaries Amana, Amana Plus, Medic, Shahed Pharm, City Pharma, al Kawthar, and Global Touristic Services.“Treasury Designates Martyrs Foundation Companies and Officials as Global Terrorists,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 26, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm917.

In addition to Atlas, the United States sanctioned 11 companies linked to the Martyrs Foundation. Bazzi is affiliated with six of those companies:

• Medical Equipment & Drugs International Corporation (Medic): Bazzi is the director general, chairman, and authorized signatory for the company.
• Shahed Pharm: Bazzi is listed as a shareholder, director, and authorized signatory for the company.
• Amana Fuel Co.: Bazzi is listed as a founder, director, and authorized signatory for the company.
• Amana Plus Co.: Bazzi and Nur-al-Din are listed as company founders. Bazzi also serves as the director general, chairman, and authorized signatory of the company.
• City Pharma SARL: Bazzi is the authorized signatory for the company.
• Global Touristic Services SAL: founded by Bazzi, Atlas, and Nur-al-Din. Bazzi is the authorized signatory. Nur-al-Din and Bazzi are members of the board of directors.“Treasury Designates Martyrs Foundation Companies and Officials as Global Terrorists,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 26, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm917.

The Treasury Department also sanctioned Capital SAL, Al Kawthar, Amana Sanitary and Paints Company LTD, Mirath SAL, and Sanovera Pharm Company SARL.“Treasury Designates Martyrs Foundation Companies and Officials as Global Terrorists,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 26, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm917.

United States

The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Kassem Mohamad Bazzi a Specially Designated Global Terrorist on February 26, 2020.“Counter Terrorism Designations; South Sudan-related Designations Removals,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 26, 2020, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20200226.aspx.

• Qasim Muhammad Ali Bazzi“Counter Terrorism Designations; South Sudan-related Designations Removals,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 26, 2020, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20200226.aspx.
• Qasim Mohammed Ali Bazzi“Counter Terrorism Designations; South Sudan-related Designations Removals,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 26, 2020, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20200226.aspx.
• Qassem Mohammed Ali Bazi“Counter Terrorism Designations; South Sudan-related Designations Removals,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 26, 2020, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20200226.aspx.

Sheikh Yusuf Aasi is the U.S.-designated assistant CEO of Lebanon’s Martyrs Foundation, part of a transnational charitable network created by Iran to fund its terrorist proxies. In February 2020, the U.S. government imposed financial sanctions on Aasi, Kassem Mohamad Bazzi, Jawad Nur-al-Din, and 12 Lebanon-based businesses for contributing to Hezbollah through the Martyrs Foundation.“Hezbollah’s Martyrs Foundation: purpose, mode of operation and funding methods,” Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, November 4, 2019, https://www.terrorism-info.org.il/en/hezbollahs-martyrs-foundation-purpose-mode-operation-funding-methods/; “Treasury Designates Martyrs Foundation Companies and Officials as Global Terrorists,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 26, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm917.

Iran established the Martyrs Foundation in 1982 to help facilitate the transfer of funds to Hezbollah and Iran’s other proxies. The foundation provides monthly stipends for education and health care to the families of martyrs, with a specific focus on children. According to Israel’s Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, the Martyrs Foundation has an annual expenditure of $100 million. The foundation’s budget is partially provided by Iran through Hezbollah while the remainder is raised through its fundraising network.“Hezbollah’s Martyrs Foundation: purpose, mode of operation and funding methods,” Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, November 4, 2019, https://www.terrorism-info.org.il/en/hezbollahs-martyrs-foundation-purpose-mode-operation-funding-methods/.

The U.S. government accuses the Martyrs Foundation of funneling money to Hezbollah, Hamas, and other terror groups in the Levant. According to the United States, senior members of the Martyrs Foundation in Lebanon were directly involved in Hezbollah operations during the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel. The Martyrs Foundation also created the Goodwill Charitable Organization (GCO), a fundraising office in Dearborn, Michigan, that acted as a Hezbollah front organization and reported to the Martyrs Foundation in Lebanon. The U.S. government designated both the Martyrs Foundation and GCO in July 2007.“Twin Treasury Actions Take Aim at Hizballah’s Support Network,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, July 24, 2007, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/hp503.aspx.

Aasi is the assistant CEO of the Martyrs Foundation and a cofounder of Lebanon-based Atlas Holding, which was among the companies the United States sanctioned in February 2020 for affiliation with the Martyrs Foundation.“Hezbollah’s Martyrs Foundation: purpose, mode of operation and funding methods,” Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, November 4, 2019, https://www.terrorism-info.org.il/en/hezbollahs-martyrs-foundation-purpose-mode-operation-funding-methods/; “Treasury Designates Martyrs Foundation Companies and Officials as Global Terrorists,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 26, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm917. Aasi cofounded Atlas with Mohammad Ali Bashir and the Martyrs Foundation.“Hezbollah’s Martyrs Foundation: purpose, mode of operation and funding methods,” Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, November 4, 2019, https://www.terrorism-info.org.il/en/hezbollahs-martyrs-foundation-purpose-mode-operation-funding-methods/. According to the U.S. government, Atlas Holding is subordinate to Hezbollah’s Executive Council, which uses the company to conceal financial transactions for Hezbollah’s military activities. The Treasury Department accuses Hezbollah of using Atlas Holding to avoid financial sanctions.“Treasury Designates Martyrs Foundation Companies and Officials as Global Terrorists,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 26, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm917.

Atlas Holding owns or controls at least 10 companies in various Lebanese sectors, including fuel, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and clothing. According to the U.S. government, Atlas Holding is subordinate to Hezbollah’s Executive Council, which uses the company to conceal financial transactions for Hezbollah’s military activities. The Treasury Department accuses Hezbollah of using Atlas Holding to avoid financial sanctions.“Treasury Designates Martyrs Foundation Companies and Officials as Global Terrorists,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 26, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm917.

In addition to Atlas, the United States sanctioned 11 companies linked to the Martyrs Foundation:  

• Shahed Pharm: owned or controlled by Atlas Holding.
• Amana Plus Co.: owned or controlled by Atlas Holding.
• Al Kawthar: owned or controlled by Atlas Holding.
• Amana Sanitary and Paints Company LTD: owned or controlled by Atlas Holding.
• City Pharma SARL: owned or controlled by Atlas Holding.
• Global Touristic Services SAL: owned or controlled by Atlas Holding.
• Amana Fuel Co.: owned or controlled by Atlas Holding.
• Sanovera Pharm Company SARL: owned or controlled by Atlas Holding.
• Medical Equipment & Drugs International Corporation (Medic): owned or controlled by Atlas Holding.
• Capital SAL: owned or controlled by Atlas Holding.
• Mirath SAL.“Treasury Designates Martyrs Foundation Companies and Officials as Global Terrorists,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 26, 2020, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm917.

United States

The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Sheikh Yusuf Assi a Specially Designated Global Terrorist on February 26, 2020.“Counter Terrorism Designations; South Sudan-related Designations Removals,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 26, 2020, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20200226.aspx.

• Yusuf Abd al-Rida El Asi“Counter Terrorism Designations; South Sudan-related Designations Removals,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 26, 2020, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20200226.aspx.

On April 30, Germany took the long overdue step of designating Hezbollah in its entirety as a terrorist group. It is past time that the European Union update its own designation of Hezbollah and ban the group in its entirety in order to limit its activities on the continent.

The EU formalized its Hezbollah stance in 2013, outlawing Hezbollah’s so-called military wing while drawing a distinction with the group’s political wing, which is a key player in the Lebanese government. The EU took this minimalist step in response to Hezbollah’s actions in the Syrian civil war and the 2012 bus bombing in Burgas, Bulgaria, which killed five Israelis and a Bulgarian bus driver. Bulgaria initially found “clear signs” of Hezbollah’s responsibility, though prosecutors failed to indict the terror group specifically.

Concerns about Europe’s relations with Lebanon prevented a full ban of the group while the EU pledged to continue dialogue with all of Lebanon’s political groups. This wrongly presupposes that Hezbollah is a responsible political actor in Lebanon. It is not. Hezbollah has, in the past, turned its weapons on Lebanese citizens and institutions when it has disagreed with the government. Hezbollah has also held the country hostage politically by collapsing governing coalitions and stalling the election of a new president for two years. Through all of this, Hezbollah has unnecessarily involved Lebanon in the civil war in neighboring Syria. And yet Hezbollah is the leading political force in Lebanon, where the newly formed government is dominated by Hezbollah allies.

The EU’s 2013 designation drew international praise but the decision to differentiate between Hezbollah’s military and political wings rightfully drew criticism and concern that this artificial division would make enforcement untenable. Not surprisingly, some of the loudest criticism at the time came from Hezbollah itself, which said the designation would have no effect on it. Hezbollah leaders also reiterated what the EU should also have known: there are no separate military and political wings in Hezbollah. Per Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem: “We don’t have a military wing and a political one; we don’t have Hezbollah on one hand and the resistance party on the other… Every element of Hezbollah, from commanders to members as well as our various capabilities, are in the service of the resistance, and we have nothing but the resistance as a priority.”

Clearly Hezbollah is a singular organization. Its fighters along the Israeli border and its politicians in Lebanon all answer to Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah, who in turns answers to Iran.

German authorities estimate that there are more than 1,000 Hezbollah supporters in the country and 30 mosques and Islamic cultural centers linked to the group. On the same day Germany banned Hezbollah, police raided Islamic centers across the country suspected of providing financial aid to and propaganda for the terror group. In March, Austria opened prosecution against a suspected Hezbollah commander who had been operating in the country for 13 years. In 2013, a Cypriot court sentenced Lebanese-Swedish national Hossam Taleb Yaccoub to three years in prison for planning attacks on Israeli targets. Hezbollah had paid Yaccoub since 2011 to collect information on Israeli tourists, including Israeli flights arriving in Cyprus and registration plates of buses carrying Israeli tourists. Hezbollah spies have also allegedlyoperated from Denmark, Greece, and other European countries. Indeed, Hezbollah has been targeting Europe for decades. On June 14, 1985, Hezbollah terrorists hijacked TWA Flight 847 on its way from Athens to Rome and demanded the release of more than 700 prisoners held in Israel, Cyprus, and Kuwait in exchange for hostages. Hezbollah is clearly active in Europe, despite the group’s protests to the contrary.

Germany is not the first European nation to take action against Hezbollah. The Netherlands has long outlawed the terror group in its entirety. The United Kingdom has also recently taken the step forward to ban Hezbollah in its entirety.

In the face of overwhelming evidence of Hezbollah’s crimes and presence in Europe, Germany’s latest action is long overdue. And for the European Union to continue to refuse to take the same step is a denial of the reality of Hezbollah. It is time for the European Union to act decisively and recognize Hezbollah—all of Hezbollah—for what it is.

“We are perfectly ready to confront any act of aggression or instance of folly that the Zionist regime could commit. The resistance movement is currently assured and well aware of its approach and choices in the event of such a confrontation with the enemy.”“Liberation of Al-Quds Main Goal of Resistance Front: Hezbollah,” Tasnim News Agency, May 20, 2020, https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2020/05/20/2270305/liberation-of-al-quds-main-goal-of-resistance-front-hezbollah.