The deadly U.S. strike in the Caribbean this week is being cast by experts as the latest move in a broader campaign to dismantle Iran and Hezbollah\u2019s growing narco empire in Venezuela.<\/p>\n
U.S. officials say Tren de Aragua works closely with the Cartel of the Suns \u2014 a network of Venezuelan<\/u> military elites long accused of moving cocaine in collaboration with Hezbollah.<\/p>\n
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told Fox News Digital that ‘President Trump has taken numerous actions to curtail Iran\u2019s terrorist proxies like Hezbollah, such as sanctioning senior officials and financial facilitators. The President has proven that he will hold any terrorist group accountable that threatens the national security of our country by smuggling narcotics intended to kill Americans.’<\/p>\n
Brian Townsend, a retired DEA special agent, told Fox News Digital, ‘This was a decisive blow against narco-terrorists,’ and said Hezbollah\u2019s role<\/u> is rarely visible but essential, ‘They don\u2019t get their hands dirty. Instead, they launder and provide networks to help cartels send money through the Middle East. Simply, they take a cut from the drug trade, which then funds their operations in the Middle East.’<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Townsend added that Hezbollah has become ‘a main finance and money launderer for narco-terrorism groups like Tren de Aragua,’ ensuring that when cocaine moves, Hezbollah-linked facilitators are often processing at least part of the proceeds.<\/p>\n
Dani Citrinowicz, a senior fellow at Israel\u2019s Institute for National Security Studies, said Hezbollah\u2019s reach depends heavily on the region\u2019s Lebanese diaspora. ‘Most of the Shia diaspora, at least in Central and South America, is Lebanese,’ he told Fox News Digital. ‘Hezbollah is the connector between the diaspora and Iran.’<\/p>\n
Citrinowicz said the group uses family ties, language and community institutions to cement its influence across Latin America. ‘They appoint imams, fund religious centers and control educational programs \u2026 through these networks, Hezbollah can interact with local cartels, sell drugs, and channel the profits back to Lebanon through elaborate schemes.’<\/p>\n
He said this role as a connector makes Hezbollah indispensable to Iran\u2019s strategy<\/u> in the Western Hemisphere. ‘The connection starts and ends with enmity towards the West in general, specifically to the United States,’ he said. ‘As long as Maduro is there, the Iranians will be there. But if Maduro goes, Iran will lose the most important stronghold of its activity in Latin America.’<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Townsend stated the partnership works for both sides. ‘Iran\u2019s partnership with Maduro enables Hezbollah to operate in Venezuela. Iran gets to safely operate, through Hezbollah, in the West without prosecution, and Maduro and his officials get paid well. Ultimately, Iran uses and exploits<\/u> Maduro. Maduro doesn\u2019t care \u2014 he and his friends benefit financially.’<\/p>\n
Both experts pointed to state complicity as the key enabler. ‘Under Maduro and Ch\u00e1vez, Venezuela has become a major transshipment hub for Colombian cocaine,’ Townsend said. ‘There have been several indictments in the U.S. and Treasury OFAC designations that tie senior government officials directly to the use of state infrastructure \u2014 ports, air bases, even military convoys \u2014 to move massive shipments of cocaine. Cartel of the Suns, high-ranking military officers, run and protects these shipments. Who launders all of this drug money? Hezbollah.’<\/p>\n
Citrinowicz emphasized Iran\u2019s investment in Venezuelan power structures. ‘The enhancement is illustrated by several aspects: first and foremost, the military cooperation, especially Iranian factories building UAVs for the Venezuelan army, and constant Quds Force flights from Iran through Africa toward Venezuela,’ he said. ‘Iran is also teaching Venezuela how to bypass sanctions and has invested billions into the economy.’<\/p>\n
Experts say Washington\u2019s best leverage lies in choking the finances. ‘We need to aggressively target and choke these financial networks,’ Townsend said. ‘The priority is to attack the financial and logistical networks, indict everyone we can and pressure Maduro. If we can cut off the financial arteries, the cocaine won\u2019t be as profitable.’<\/p>\n
Citrinowicz agreed that the strike fits into a broader effort. ‘By weakening Maduro, the U.S. weakens the Iranian presence in Latin America<\/u> and weakens Iran\u2019s ability to threaten U.S. soil,’ he said. ‘The best way to weaken Venezuela is also to aim against the Iranian presence over there.’<\/p>\n
For Washington, experts say Hezbollah\u2019s narcotics empire in Venezuela is no longer just a regional problem. It is increasingly being treated as a direct threat to America\u2019s security at home.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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