Hizb Allah Operative Charged in Global Drone Parts Smuggling
Fadel Z., a key operative in Hizb Allah's drone program, has been charged with multiple offenses. The 35-year-old joined the militant Islamist group before 2015 and has since played a significant role in its drone operations. Initially serving as a media relations officer, Fadel Z. rose through the ranks to become a crucial figure in Hizb Allah's extensive drone program. By August 2022, he was operating from Barcelona and later Germany. The group, aiming to free Lebanon from Western influences and annihilate Israel, has amassed over 10,000 drones by June 2024. Fadel Z. is accused of acquiring drone components worth nearly 1.4 million Euros on behalf of Hizb Allah. He organized their transport to Lebanon by ship and air cargo. One of these drones, equipped with engines purchased by him, was fired into a retirement home in Herzliya, Israel. Despite investigations, there's no public information about the German and Spanish companies that supplied these components in 2024. Fadel Z. faces 47 counts of violating the Foreign Trade and Payments Act (AWG) and is also charged with aiding and abetting attempted murder. Fadel Z.'s arrest highlights the global reach and sophistication of Hizb Allah's drone program. His role in acquiring components and organizing their transport has significantly contributed to the group's capabilities. The international nature of these operations underscores the need for coordinated efforts to counter such activities.
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