| (WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented today on news that Colombian authorities arrested three men with reported ties to the Islamic militant group Hezbollah in an anti-drug sting operation. The three are among a group of more than 90 suspects operating in Guatemala, Panama, Venezuela, the Middle East and Europe, including at least nine Colombians wanted by U.S. law enforcement authorities. In a statement reportedly made by the Colombian Attorney General, a portion of the proceeds from the drug sales were funneled to Hezbollah to finance its violent activities. Ros-Lehtinen has authored legislation on the growing threat of Islamic extremism and Iranian activities in the Western Hemisphere. She recently introduced the Western Hemisphere Counterterrorism and Nonproliferation Act to bolster regional cooperation in countering threats from Islamic extremists and curtailing the proliferation of deadly unconventional weapons. Statement of Ros-Lehtinen:
Our suspicions that Islamic extremists are operating in the Western Hemisphere and profiting from the narcotics trade are again confirmed by today’s developments. The expansive network of this international drug string underscores the threat that groups such as Hezbollah pose to the security of the United States and our allies. We must now assume that the ambitions of these Islamic radicals and state sponsors such as Iran extend beyond the Middle East and into Latin America, using the region as a launching pad for their nefarious activities.
The close cooperation between the U.S. and Colombia has dealt a significant blow to those who wish to foment chaos and instability in the Western Hemisphere. Once more, Colombia has demonstrated the invaluable role it plays as a responsible partner of the United States in the pursuit of security and democracy in the region. We must continue to support and strengthen this important relationship.
In the weeks ahead, I remain hopeful that Congress will move forward with passage of the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement, which will greatly benefit the economy and security of both our nations.
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