US Treasury sanctions Lebanon-South America network accused of financing Hezbollah

US Treasury on Tuesday slapped terrorism sanctions on a family network of seven individuals and businesses in Leban and South America accused of financing militant group Hezbollah, including a Lebanese man who officials say was involved in two dely attacks in Argentina in 1990s.

Amer Mohamed Akil Ra was described as “one of operational members” who carried out attack on Argentine-Israelite Mutual Association in Bues Aires in 1994, which killed 85 people and wounded hundreds. A 1992 attack on Israeli Embassy in Argentina killed 29 people.

“Today's action underscores US government's commitment to pursuing Hezbollah operatives and financiers matter ir location,” said Brian Nelson, Treasury's under-secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, in a statement.

Iran-backed group is designated a “foreign terrorist organisation," and Washington also claims that group has been involved in drug trafficking in Latin America to generate revenue.

Ra, according to Treasury, spent over a dece in South America before relocating to Leban. During his time re, he allegedly ran a charcoal business that frequently exported from Colombia to Leban and used “80 percent of proceeds of his commercial enterprise to benefit Hezbollah”.

Ra's bror, Samer, was also sanctioned and accused of being involved in various drug trafficking and money laundering operations across Latin America. According to Treasury, he was previously based in Belize but fled due to a drug-related case and was involved in smuggling 500 kilograms (1,102 pounds) of cocaine worth USD 15 million hidden in fruit shipments seized in El Salvor.

He also hes Venezuelan-based company BCI Techlogies CA, which some reports say is a prominent cryptocurrency consultancy firm in country.

US also sanctioned Ra's son, identified as Mehdi Akil Helbawi, and his Colombia-based venture Zanga SAS, coal exporting company that officials say his far used to fund Hezbollah.

Treasury also slapped sanctions on Leban-based company Black Diamond SARL and owner Ali Ismail Ajrouch. company reportedly transferred some USD 40,000 to Colombia-based coal company.