Justice Department Sends a Message to Terrorists: We Won’t Stop
In a strong statement, Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen announced the indictment of longtime Hezbollah terrorist operative Samuel Salman El Reda for his alleged involvement in the devastating attack on a Buenos Aires Jewish community center almost three decades ago. The attack claimed the lives of 85 innocent people and left countless others injured.
Olsen emphasized, “This indictment serves as a message to those who engage in acts of terror: that the Justice Department’s memory is long, and we will not relent in our efforts to bring them to justice.” The FBI’s National Security Branch’s Executive Assistant Director, Larissa L. Knapp, reaffirmed this commitment, stating, “While it’s been nearly 30 years since this horrific terrorist attack, the FBI and our partners throughout the U.S. government are committed to delivering justice for the victims’ families.”
The investigation into El Reda’s alleged involvement has uncovered evidence linking him to Hezbollah as early as 1993 and as recently as 2015. Hezbollah, an Iran-backed terrorist group operating in Lebanon, has been a significant player in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. It has been launching rockets and missiles across Israel’s northern border, causing a constant threat.
Hezbollah’s Role in Escalating Israel’s War in Gaza
Israel has been facing a challenging situation with Hezbollah’s activities diverting attention from the conflict in Gaza to the shared border with Lebanon. Hezbollah’s actions align with a broader Iranian strategy aimed at escalating Israel’s war in Gaza. Iran-backed groups have initiated nearly 100 attacks against U.S. bases in Iraq and Syria since mid-October.
Furthermore, the Houthi rebels in Yemen, also backed by Iran, have been causing disruptions in international trade through the Red Sea. The U.S. Navy has had to intercept multiple Houthi missiles and drones targeting merchant vessels, posing a significant threat to maritime security.
Countering the Houthi Threat
In response to the escalating Houthi threat, the U.S. has taken decisive action to safeguard international trade routes. The U.S. Navy, in collaboration with allied navies, initiated a mission aimed at countering the Houthi threat on Tuesday.
The U.S. government’s commitment to justice, the fight against terrorism, and maintaining peace and security in the region is unwavering. The indictment of El Reda is a testament to the hard work and determination of the FBI, the Justice Department, and international partners in law enforcement. It sends a clear message that those who engage in acts of terror will face the consequences, no matter how many years have passed.